Audi researching production of electrical energy storage devices

Posted on 13 December 2011 by

  • New state-funded project with industry and research partners
  • Production Board Member Frank Dreves: “Expertise for the efficient, safe and sustainable volume production of electric cars”
  • Important stimulus for Germany as an industrial location

Audi is continuing to step up its activities in the field of electric mobility. Today the car manufacturer is launching the eProduction research project together with selected partners. Its goal is to generate expertise in the assembly of traction batteries and develop a production concept for the energy storage devices of electric cars. The three-year project is being sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

“With eProduction we are taking the next important step on the road to electric mobility,” says Frank Dreves, Member of the Board of Management for Production at AUDI AG. This research project will give Audi the expertise to produce the battery systems and some of their peripheral components itself. “This will put us in a position to produce electrically powered cars in larger numbers – in a way that is efficient, safe, robust and sustainable,” explains Dreves.

A traction battery is a highly complex system. As far as its performance and lifetime are concerned, the arrangement of the cells plays a similarly important role as the cooling system, which can use either air or coolant. Components such as the high-voltage and service connections, the electronic management system, the electromechanical components, the housing and various sensors and actuators round out the battery system.

Through the eProduction research project, Audi is looking to build up the necessary process and automation infrastructure – with the goal of developing a marketable production concept for high-voltage energy storage devices in battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The future process chain starts with the materials used, considers matters of lightweight construction and the depth of value added, includes new contacting and joining techniques and ends with test methods suitable for volume production.

Audi has acquired two companies as its project partners – the software experts from Dassault Systèmes and the engineering specialists from Fees Verzahnungs­technik. Seven universities and institutes are also involved: Dresden University of Technology (TU Dresden), Chemnitz University of Technology (TU Chemnitz), Munich University of Technology (TU München), the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen, the Rheinische Fachhochschule (University of Applied Sciences) in Cologne, the RWTH Aachen and the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials in Bremen.

One focus of the research project is the safety of employees during the production of high-voltage components. This includes numerous aspects – from the training of staff and the automation of certain work steps to the virtual validation process, which involves simulating and analyzing the later production steps on the computer, also taking account of ergonomic factors. Another research focus concerns the question as to how existing norms and standards, on protective clothing for example, have to be evolved for the production of electrical components.

The expertise that the partners in the eProduction research project jointly provide could mean an innovation leap for industry in Germany as a whole. This should help the German government to reach its goal of putting one million electric vehicles on the road by 2020. It also has the potential to secure employment in Germany in the medium and long term.

Ministry Director Prof. Dr. Wolf-Dieter Lukas emphasizes the project’s contribution toward safeguarding Germany’s competitiveness: “The increasing level of electrification of the automobile has significant consequences for the production process. This applies particularly to battery production, which represents a large proportion of the value chain.” Lukas is pleased that a high-powered consortium has been formed under the leadership of AUDI AG as part of the “eProduction” project that intends to go new ways not just in terms of production but also with regard to providing the necessary training for the required specialist employees. “We at the BMBF are delighted to be supporting this project through our sponsorship.”

In its publication “Schlüsseltechnologien für die Elektromobilität (STROM)” (Key Technologies for Electric Mobility), the BMBF states its intention to sponsor the project as part of the high-tech strategy IKT 2020 with a total budget of 11.3 million euros.

Successful test of the Audi R8 GRAND-AM

Posted on 12 December 2011 by

  • New model for U.S. racing tested at Daytona
  • Development driver Frank Stippler completes 1000 test kilometers
  • Preparation of two vehicles for the 2012 Daytona 24 Hours

The Audi R8 GRAND-AM successfully passed its baptism by fire. The new model was fine-tuned at the Daytona race track (U.S. state of Florida) during its final test on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Ready for the North American market: The development of the next customer sport race car from Audi Sport customer racing has been completed. The car will be delivered to the first customers by January. The new Audi R8 GRAND-AM is based on the extremely successful Audi R8 LMS that has scored more than 110 victories and 13 titles. From this GT3 race car quattro GmbH developed a vehicle for the Grand Touring class of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series in the USA and subjected it to final testing at Daytona.

After track tests in Europe the R8 GRAND-AM that features significant modifications compared to the GT3 race car underwent its final test in the heart of the region where it will be fielded in the future. On the two test days, Frank Stippler completed about 1000 kilometers (600 miles) in the visually conspicuous test car from quattro GmbH that sports a stars-and-stripes design. The famous Daytona International Speedway in the U.S. state of Florida with its banked turns served to prepare for the Daytona 24 Hours at which private racing customers will compete with the R8 GRAND AM on January 28th and 29th.

The Audi R8 GRAND-AM clearly differs from the GT3 “sister model” and required a fundamentally new set-up. Downforce, for instance, is drastically lower. About 70 to 80 percent of aerodynamic grip is lost because the GRAND-AM regulations prescribe modified body components. The new front splitter may only protrude from the front contours by 38 millimeters, for example. The front underbody must have a flat design. The rear diffusor corresponds to the production car component, while the standardized rear wing is only 152 centimeters wide and thus 260 millimeters slimmer than the rear wing of the R8 LMS. “The lower aerodynamic forces also require modified damper characteristics and softer spring rates,” explains Armin Plietsch, Head of Engineering Customer Sport at quattro GmbH. In addition, the regulations prescribe a ride height of 65 millimeters – which is about 10 millimeters more than the minimum in the FIA series.

At Daytona, Audi also familiarized itself with the tires from the series’ exclusive tire supplier, Continental. The GTR (for road courses) and GTO (for oval tracks) tire models influence suspension set-ups as well. ABS and traction control, which are standard equipment on the Audi R8 LMS, had to be deactivated for the R8 GRAND-AM. The optimized radiator package that Audi developed for the R8 LMS ultra is also used in the R8 GRAND-AM.

“We successfully tested all the modifications at Daytona,” says Romolo Liebchen, Head of Customer Sport at quattro GmbH. “With Frank Stippler we developed a sound and solid set-up for our customers and also gathered valuable findings in the endurance tests. The durability of wearing parts and runs at high outside temperatures meet challenging demands. We can now provide our racing customers with concrete advice and reference values for fielding the car.”

The rating of the Audi R8 GRAND AM is still an open issue. By January, a balance of performance is to be achieved between the various vehicles in the GT class. Audi has made one of the 5.2-liter V10 FSI engines used in the Audi R8 GRAND-AM available to the series’ engineers for a precise performance analysis. The engine’s power output and homologation weight will only be defined once this rating is available.

One of the customer teams for the 2012 season has already been determined. APR Motorsport from Opelika in the U.S. state of Alabama will be the first team to field the Audi R8 GRAND-AM. The squad is planning to contest the Daytona 24 Hours and the remainder of the races with its own driver combinations. Negotiations with three other teams are currently in the closing stage. A maximum of four Audi R8 GRAND-AM cars will be delivered for the 2012 season to ensure individual support and coordinated logistics. Audi of America is responsible for sales and support to customers in North America.

2012 AUDI A7: ESQUIRE CAR OF THE YEAR

Posted on 15 September 2011 by

For the second straight year, Esquire magazine has named an Audi the “Esquire Car of the Year,” awarding this year’s title to the 2012 Audi A7. The A7 succeeds last year’s winner, the 2010 Audi S4. To select the third annual award for the year’s most stunning and stylish—yet attainable—vehicle, Esquire editors drove scores of vehicles across countless states before testing the seven finalists head-to-head at the Monticello Motor Club’s racetrack. The Esquire Car of the Year, along with the other 2011 Esquire Car Awards, including Esquire’s Auto Exec of the Year, appears in the magazine’s October issue, on newsstands September 20th.

After months of test-driving, the decision was clear among the editors: “The $60,125 A7 is what car companies do when they are at the top of their game – a glistening, swing-for-the-fences valentine to sheet metal…No man with a pulse can stand in front of this thing without slackening his jaw… The A7 rips down the highway, swallowing miles without drama. You glance at the fenders through the windshield, you nail the throttle, you drop into a little trance. Maybe you end up ten miles past your destination, strangely happy. Drugs do this, and so do private jets. The A7 might be better than either.”

“I was bowled over by the A7 when I first saw it in Europe,” says Esquire Editor-in-Chief David Granger, “But I didn’t expect us to select an Audi in back-to-back years. Every finalist was exceptional but when we got them all on the track, the A7 did everything well. It was exciting and practical and attainable, all at once.”

About Esquire

Esquire (www.esquire.com), published by Hearst Magazines, is the most-honored monthly magazine in America with a total of 15 National Magazine Awards over the past 14 years. Its website and its iPad apps have been similarly honored. In addition to its U.S. flagship, Esquire publishes 20 editions around the world.

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Boardwalk Audi First Drive Dallas: 2012 Audi A6

Posted on 10 July 2011 by

I have been anticipating driving the new 2012 Audi A6 after previewing this vehicle at the Boardwalk Audi Launch Event, June 29th in Plano, Texas (click to check out the pictures). I had the great pleasure of taking the new A6 home from Boardwalk Audi this weekend.

The technology and advanced engineering in the 2012 Audi A6 is impressive and it won my family over. Our last three vehicles have been Mercedes and they did not hold a candle to this vehicle. The Supercharged V6 3.0 Liter engine was powerful and incredibly smooth. The ride and handling is the best that I have experienced in a 5 passenger family car. The only negative with the 2012 Audi A6 is having to give it back to Boardwalk Audi.

Audi Q3 starts volume production. Coming to Dallas?

Posted on 07 June 2011 by

  • Compact premium SUV from Audi begins rolling off the assembly line today
  • Board Member for Production Frank Dreves: “Martorell factory has first-class quality and Audi seal of approval.”
  • Annual production of 100,000 cars planned

The official start of production for the Audi Q3 has begun. Starting today, the compact SUV with the four rings will be built at the SEAT factory in Martorell, located in Spain’s Catalonia region. Approximately 100,000 Q3 units are slated to leave the three-shift assembly line each year. Audi and SEAT together have invested around €330 million in infrastructure and ultra-modern production facilities.

“The Q3 production is an example of how we are making use of synergies within the Group,” stresses Frank Dreves, Board Member for Production at AUDI AG. “The Martorell factory is an extremely productive facility with a highly skilled workforce, and one that meets the exacting quality standards of our brand. The Q3 definitely gets the Audi seal of approval.”

The decision to build the Audi Q3 in Spain signals the Ingolstadt-based carmaker’s intention to continue its dynamic course of growth while also pursuing a strategy of internationalization. In choosing Martorell as the new production site, Audi is also taking on an important social responsibility, for both the region and the workforce. The Company provides approximately 1,500 jobs at the plant, including 700 newly created positions. Special emphasis was placed on training the workforce. All staff have completed a 176-hour program designed specifically for the Q3 to prepare them for the challenges they will be faced with on the production line.

The Company has created the optimum conditions for the latest offspring in its broad product line-up: A new body shop featuring 450 state-of-the-art robots was erected especially for the Q3 on a site measuring 30,000 square meters (322,917 sq. ft). In use for the first time at the body shop is the so-called “roof bell,” an innovative development from the Audi Toolmaking Shop in Ingolstadt. A robot grabs the roof and aligns it precisely while a second robot has the roof bell ready for the following roof of the next body.

Thanks to its systematic lightweight design, the basic version of the Audi Q3 weighs less than 1,500 kilograms (3,306.93 lb). Its engine hood and the wrap-around hatchback with integrated tail lights are made of aluminum. A number of ultra-high-strength steels are employed in the rigid, safe passenger cell.

“A big thank you to all the employees who have been involved in the Q3 project over the past years,” says SEAT Board Member for Production Wolfram Thomas. “The new model is another example of the trust that the Volkswagen Group and AUDI AG in particular have placed in SEAT. The Q3 represents the SEAT employees’ excellent preparation and premium-carmaking skills,” Thomas stresses.

A small, sporty SUV, the Audi Q3 will join the other members of the Q family, the Audi Q5 and the Audi Q7. The five-door Q3 with its dynamic, coupe-like styling offers genuine SUV traits in terms of seating position, wheel size and ground clearance, and stands out on account of the extremely sporty driving experience it provides. The Q3 combines the design and dynamics of a compact car with the roominess and versatility of an SUV. The range of driver assistance systems brings a new dimension to the compact SUV category. The Audi Q3 will launch with three four-cylinder powerplants: one TDI unit and two TFSI engines. Developing between 103 kW (140 hp) and 155 kW (211 hp), they are as powerful as they are efficient.

With the Q3, the brand with the four rings is entering into a new segment. Advance sales for Europe will begin in June. Market launch is scheduled to take place in the fourth quarter of this year. Around 100,000 units are expected to make their way to customers in the first full production year, 2012. In Germany, sales of the Q3 will begin at a base price of €29,900. Plans are in place to build the sporty compact in China, specifically for the local market, in a second phase.

The SEAT factory in Martorell was built in 1993. It employs over 10,000 staff. The Audi Q3 is the first model built in Martorell by the Ingolstadt-based company.

The world premiere of the Audi Q3: please come to Dallas

Posted on 15 April 2011 by

Cincopa WordPress plugin

To answer the challenge of combining premium car features, SUV convenience and compact size, Audi presents the all-new Audi Q3. While the small and sporty SUV will make its official debut at the Shanghai Motor Show next week, there’s no decision yet on a U.S. intro. Still, we want hear which size fits your life needs best — the compact Q3, the midsize Q5, or the full-size Q7? We sure hope that the Audi Q3 makes it to Dallas.

Audi sets U.S. prices for all-new 2012 Audi A7

Posted on 05 April 2011 by

  • U.S. pricing for all-new Audi A7 starts at $59,250
  • Iconic design and industry first innovative technology combine to deliver emotion, prestige and functionality
  • All models feature supercharged 3.0L TFSI® V6 engine producing 310 hp

Audi announced that pricing for the all-new 2012 Audi A7 will begin at $59,250 with the first of the elegantly designed models reaching U.S. showrooms later this month.

The 2012 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the all-new Audi A7 is as follows:

2012 Audi A7 pricing (excluding $875 destination charge, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges):

A7 3.0T quattro® Tiptronic®                         $59,250

The all-new Audi A7 is a design icon, with technology to match its emotional styling. The A7 combines prestige, sportiness and functionality into a five-door coupe with seating for four. Through its emotion-evoking exterior and interior design as well as industry-first technology, the Audi A7 is sure to continue to attract new customers to the Audi brand.

The interior of the Audi A7 is a bold expression of contemporary design that matches the exterior of the vehicle. With impeccable attention to detail and craftsmanship, the wraparound sky-liner dashboard envelops the driver and front passenger and is a testament to the Audi legacy of inspirational interiors, providing exceptional fit and finish, comfort and luxury.

2011 Audi A7 | Highlights

While the coupe design of the Audi A7 attracts the eye, the aluminum-hybrid lightweight construction, with aluminum body panels and a steel frame, provides excellent handling, safety and fuel economy. The 3.0L TFSI V6 supercharged engine generates 310 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission yielding impressive fuel economy ratings (18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, according to the U.S. EPA, for a combined fuel economy rating of 22 mpg) with quattro all-wheel drive standard.

The A7 delivers excellent performance characteristics with usable functionality. The integrated rear spoiler automatically deploys at higher speeds to achieve maximum down force and improved aerodynamics.

Continuing to take a leadership role in bringing progressive, innovative technologies to our customers, the Audi A7 is available with the latest MMI® technology that provides a user-friendly interface for navigation, audio, phone and vehicle customization functions. In addition, the MMI touch handwriting recognition system allows customers to enter destination or telephone information with the touch of a finger.

The MMI system also serves as the interface with the industry-first Audi Connect system, which brings a whole new level of real-time user-relevant information into the vehicle. With first-to-market voice-activated Google EarthTM, Google Local search, and, for passenger use, rolling Wi-Fi® hotspot functionality (first-to-market as Factory-installed option with integrated mobile broadband connectivity), the A7 enables new, progressive ways of interacting with the vehicle and its surroundings.

For more information regarding Audi Connect, please go to http://www.audiusanews.com/pressrelease/2286//what-audi-connect.

The A7 introduces an available Audi-first headup Display with a high-resolution, full-color display, as well as many innovative technologies which were recently introduced in the Audi A8 flagship, including available full LED headlights, Night vision assistant, Audi pre sense plus and the unmatched Bang & Olufsen® Advanced Audio System, which delivers 1,300 watts of audio bliss through 15 perfectly tuned speakers.

Design | highlights:
• Iconic 5-door coupe design utilizing aluminum hybrid lightweight construction.
• 4-seat configuration with folding rear seats
• Xenon plus headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights
• Unmistakable Audi Singleframe® grill design
• 7-inch Driver Information System
• 8-inch MMI screen with MMI touch technology
• Frameless side windows appropriate for coupe
• Ambient lighting plus using LED lighting technology

Engine/drivetrain | highlights:
• V6 3.0L TFSI supercharged engine delivering 310 hp and 325 lbs-ft of torque.
• 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission
• Legendary quattro all-wheel drive with 40:60 rear-bias torque split

Standard equipment | highlights:
• 18-inch wheels with all-season tires
• Xenon plus headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights
• Leather seating surfaces
• Power, heated front seats with driver lumbar support
• Automatic power tailgate
• Audi drive select
• SIRIUS® satellite radio
• Audi Music Interface
• Bluetooth® telephone and music player connection
• Homelink®
• Keyless go
• Power sunroof
• 3-zone automatic climate control
• Automatic headlights with light/rain sensor

Optional equipment | highlights:

Premium Plus includes:
• 19-inch 10-spoke wheels with all-season tires
• MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and Google Earth
• Audi Connect with 6 month complimentary data trial period
• Front and rear parking sensors and rearview camera
• 7-inch Driver Information System and 8” MMI screen
• HD Radio, CD changer and Jukebox

Prestige includes Premium Plus items and:
• S line® exterior (bumpers, grille)
• BOSE® surround sound system
• Advanced key (keyless entry)
• 4-zone climate control
• Ventilated front seats
• Adaptive headlights and cornering lights
• Power adjustable steering column
• Ambient lighting plus (LED interior lights)

Innovation Package:
• Full LED headlights
• Audi pre sense plus
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Audi side assist
• Head Up Display
• Night vision assistant

Sport Packages:
• 19-inch or 20-inch wheels with performance tires
• Sport suspension
• 3-spoke sport steering wheel with shift paddles

Driver Assistance Package:
• Audi pre sense plus
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Audi side assist

Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System (similar to A8 D4):
• 15 speakers including subwoofer and center speaker
• Acoustic lens emerging tweeters
• Speaker covers are polished aluminum
• 1300 watts of B&O® ICEpower®

ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2010 Audi was the top performing luxury brand in Europe, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Over the next few years, AUDI AG will invest nearly $16 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

Audi reports best-ever March U.S. sales and best first quarter in company history

Posted on 05 April 2011 by

  • March 2011 marked third-best month ever with sales of 9,818, easily eclipsing previous March record of 8,589 set in 2010
  • 2011 Audi A8 flagship sales help fuel 14.3% year-over-year jump in month
  • Certified Pre-Owned sales of 3,318 vehicles marks the second-best month for Audi CPO, second only to May 2008 with 3,364 vehicles sold

Audi today sustained its 2011 momentum with a series of record setting achievements. March U.S. sales of Audi cars and SUVs not only marked the third-straight monthly record for 2011, but also the best-ever March in company history and the best first quarter of all-time. Additionally, the March 2011 results rank as the third-best monthly sales overall for the brand in its U.S. history. The strong March sales represented a month-to-month sales increase of more than 25% over February 2011, and a 14.3% improvement from March 2010. The 2011 best first quarter in company history comes on the heels of Audi posting its best annual U.S. sales for 2010.

Overall, Audi sold 9,818 vehicles in March 2011 compared to the 8,589 vehicles sold in March 2010 to set the old record for the month. The strong sales results were buoyed by the continued extraordinary public response to the 2011 Audi A8 flagship model with a 788.9% increase in sales from a year earlier. March 2011 was the best month for Audi A8 sales in more than five years. Sales of the Audi A4 recorded more than a 20% month-to-month sales increase over February 2011 and climbed 12.1% compared to March 2010.

Audi models have already earned significant awards in the U.S., including the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award to the 2011 Audi A8, four category winners in the Strategic Vision 2010 Total Value Index and the EyesOn Design “Best Production Vehicle” awarded to the Audi A6, which is scheduled to arrive this Fall.

In March 2011, Audi recorded year-over-year sales increases exceeding 20% with five of its models: the Audi A8, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi R8 and the Audi TT. Audi Q5 crossover and Audi Q7 full-size luxury crossover sales posted 22.5% and 36.6% increases over March 2010 sales, respectively. Moreover, due to improved availability and seasonality, the Audi R8 and Audi TT recorded a combined 56.9% year-over-year sales increase compared to March 2010. Despite limited availability for the Audi A5 in the month of March, the A5 posted a month-to-month sales gain of more than 20% compared to February 2011 sales. Moreover, the Audi S5 registered a 30% sales mix, compared to the 2010 average of 26%.

“Having ended 2010 on such a high note, it was important to ensure that we continue our momentum well into 2011,” said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. “As first quarter sales figures clearly reinforce the notion that consumers are eager to drive the superior lineup of Audi vehicles, we are optimistic that 2011 will be another banner year for us.”

Audi sales highlights – March 2011
• March 2011 ranks as the best-ever March sales in Audi of America history; also ranks as the third-best month ever in company history, behind December 2006 and December 2010.
• Best first quarter ever with 25,383 vehicles sold, topping the previous first quarter record of 2010 by 19.1%.
• Five models within Audi lineup post gains of over 20% YOY.
• Month-to-month Audi sales increase of more than 25% over February 2011, and 14.3% YOY increase.

Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 March sales and news notes
• Audi Q5 sales in March second only to A4; Q5 with less than 20 day supply of dealer inventory.
• Audi Q5 sales up 22.5% for March YOY.
• Audi Q7 sales up 36.6% for March YOY; Q7 with less than 15 day supply of dealer inventory.

Audi A3, A6, R8 and TT March sales and news notes
• Audi A3 sales increase by 200 units over February 2011.
• Audi A6 sales increase by 130 units over February 2011.
• R8 sales record 103.8% uptick over March 2010.
• TT sales up 40.8% YOY compared to March 2010.

Audi Certified Pre-Owned sales and news notes
• March 2011 CPO sales of 3,318 units represent 30.1% YOY surge from 2,551 vehicles a year earlier; increase in sales fueled by strong A4 sales mix.
• Second best March for Audi CPO of all-time, second only to May 2008 with 3,364 vehicles sold.
• Record-setting CPO markets in March: East up 30% year-to-date growth compared to 2010; South up 34% YTD growth compared to 2010; and West up 40% YTD growth compared to 2010.


ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2010 Audi was the top performing luxury brand in Europe, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Over the next few years, AUDI AG will invest nearly $16 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

AUDI US SNAPSHOT –YTD–
Model Line March ’11 Actual March ’10 Actual Yr/Yr % change March ’11 YTD Actual March ’10 YTD Actual Yr/Yr % change
A3 576 548 -5.1% 1,677 1,450 15.7%
A4 3,428 3,058 12.1% 8,681 8,481 2.4%
A5 1,388 1,675 -17.1% 3,584 3,755 -4.6%
A6 724 799 -9.4% 1,912 1,813 5.5%
A8 560 63 788.9% 1,371 149 820.1%
Audi Q5 2,083 1,701 22.5% 5,206 3,811 36.6%
Audi Q7 739 541 36.6% 2,237 1,380 62.1%
R8 106 52 103.8% 279 129 116.3%
TT 214 152 40.8% 436 347 25.6%
Total Audi Sales 9,818 8,589 14.3% 25,383 21,315 19.1%

NOTES:
- 2010 A4 numbers include Audi A4 sedan, Avant, and S4 models. 2009 A4 numbers include A4 cabriolet, which has been discontinued.
- 2010 A5 numbers include Audi A5 cabriolet and coupe’ and S5 cabriolet and coupe’
models. 2009 A5 numbers do not include the cabriolet models.
- A6 includes Audi A6 sedan, S6 sedan and A6 Avant models.
- A8 includes Audi A8 sedan, A8L sedan, and S8 sedan models.
- TT includes Audi TT coupe’ and TT roadster models.

Audi R8 GT U.S. pricing starts at $196,800 as sales of limited-production sports car begin

Posted on 18 March 2011 by

  • Only 333 Audi R8 GT models will be built worldwide; 90 for U.S sales
  • Extensive use of carbon fiber parts makes the Audi R8 GT about 180 pounds lighter than the Audi R8 5.2 quattro coupe
  • Modified 5.2-liter engine achieves 560 hp, 0-62 mph time of 3.6 seconds, top speed of 199 mph

Audi of America established prices for the limited-production 2012 Audi R8 GT starting at $196,800 at the launch of sales in the U.S. market. The Audi R8 GT is the lightest, fastest and most powerful entry in the Audi supercar lineup, which has won global acclaim. Only 333 Audi R8 GT models will be produced worldwide, with 90 slated for U.S. buyers.

2012 R8 GT pricing (excluding $1,250 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges):

R8 GT Coupe (R tronic)                 $196,800

(Information on pricing and specifications for the full Audi R8 lineup can be found at http://audiusanews.com/audi/assets/specs/11R8_PricingOptions.pdf.)

The 2012 R8 GT receives significant exterior modifications aimed at enhancing its already stellar handling, and it is powered by a modified 5.2-liter V10 FSI engine that produces 560 horsepower (35 hp more than the R8 Coupe 5.2 quattro and the R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro). The 2012 R8 GT employs the R tronic sequential manual transmission. This pairing produces a top track speed of 199 mph, and a 0-62 mph time of 3.6 seconds. Overall, the Audi R8 GT will provide drivers with high lateral acceleration and a low center of gravity.

The signature Audi ASF® lightweight construction of the Audi R8 GT, combined with extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber body parts reduces the weight by approximately 180 pounds when compared to the Audi R8 Coupe 5.2 quattro. Key carbon fiber components are the rear hatch, spoiler and diffuser.

The Audi R8 GT continues the heritage of mid-engine configuration with quattro® all-wheel drive that has distinguished all R8 variants. The axle load distribution of the R8 GT will be 43/57 front/rear. Integrated into the front differential is axle-load-optimized torque split with self-locking differential in the rear axle.

The newest member of the Audi sports car family was inspired by the Audi R8 LMS GT3 race car. To convey its limited-edition nature, the Audi R8 GT will come with a variety of exclusive interior and exterior touches. Each car will have a numbered gearshift knob. The instrument cluster will be white with the R8 GT logo and the interior will feature carbon matte inlays. The seats, headliner, steering wheel and handbrake lever will be black Alcantara® with contrast stitching. Door sills will include aluminum inserts with the R8 GT logo.

On the exterior, the grille, distinctive sideblade and other trim parts will come in exclusive matte finishes. The Audi R8 GT will also be available in an exclusive new color: Samoa Orange.

Optional carbon-fiber reinforced ceramic brakes are available to provide superb fading resistance even in racetrack conditions. Brake calipers with a red anodized finish come with the ceramic brakes. A 12-speaker, 495-watt Bang & Olufsen® sound system is also available. The Audi R8 GT offers other trim and wheel options to personalize the full array of standard features.

ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2010 Audi was the top performing luxury brand in Europe, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Over the next few years, AUDI AG will invest nearly $16 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

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Free Asphalt Audi RS 3 game for the iPhone

Posted on 14 March 2011 by

  • Asphalt Audi RS 3 racing game offers exclusive driving experience
  • International competition – grand prize is an Audi A3 Sportback
  • Free Asphalt Audi RS 3 game for the iPhone

Just in time for the exhibition debut of the Audi RS 3 Sportback at the Geneva Motor Show, a new app arrived on March 3rd that allows all iPhone owners to take the new Audi model for a test drive. With the free racing game for the iPhone called Asphalt Audi RS 3, players can choose between two tracks (Bahamas and Tokyo), both of which feature thrilling graphics.

The iPhone app, which is available from the Apple App Store, was designed in partnership with Gameloft. Gameloft is the world’s biggest developer and publisher of video games for mobile devices. The sixth edition of the Asphalt racing game series, which has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, has been available since December 2010.

Winning in the Asphalt Audi RS 3 game involves more than just driving over the finish line: with skilled driving maneuvers players can beat their competitors or explore hidden short cuts. “This is a way for our customers to get to know the new Audi RS 3 Sportback even before the official market launch,” said Lothar Korn, Head of Marketing Communications at Audi.

In the game, the youngest member of the Audi RS family can be controlled using the touch-screen or via tilt control, which the iPhone allows to be used as the steering wheel. Customized configuration of the car is also possible.

For people who want more than just virtual driving fun, there’s a link that leads to Audi’s mobile website as well as to a page with an overview of all Audi apps (www.audi.de/apps). From there, iPhone owners can download numerous other Audi apps.

In the Asphalt Audi RS 3 Contest players can climb their way to the top of a worldwide online list. In this international competition, the player with the fastest time after three rounds on the Bahamas track will win an Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro with the S line sports and exterior package, quattro drive, leather trim, xenon plus headlights and a BOSE sound system. The contest runs from March 3 to 16.

Starting March 3, the Asphalt Audi RS 3 iPhone racing game will be available worldwide at no cost from the Apple App Store in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese and Korean versions. After installing the program players can use all of the content of the app with an active Internet connection. The game is designed for the iPhone, but also functions on an iPad and iPod touch.

The contest is being offered in Germany, Australia, Belgium, China, France, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Japan, Canada (except for Quebec), Mexico, the Netherlands, Austria, Russia, Switzerland, Spain, South Korea and the United States (including the District of Columbia). Participants must be of full legal age and possess a valid driver’s license.

You can find more information about Gameloft and the Asphalt Audi RS 3 game at www.gameloft.de and at www.audi-mediaservices.de.