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Audi’s imposing Prologue coupe concept (shown below) unveiled at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show was a preview of new styling themes devised under the guidance of recently appointed design chief Marc Lichte for the automaker’s future product, starting with the next-generation A8 flagship sedan due in 2016. The concept was in the shape of a coupe but Audi isn’t planning a large, luxurious two-door just yet. Instead, the Prologue previewed the look of Audi’s future notchback models like its sedans and coupes.

Now we have a new Prologue concept, and this one previews the look of Audi’s future Sportbacks (hatches) and Avants (wagons). It’s called the "Prologue Avant" and it features four traditional doors plus a fifth door at the rear. We can also see that the tail-light treatment is similar to the design used on the original Prologue concept, albeit with new graphics, and these are joined by a roof-mounted spoiler also at the rear.

Another important change made to the Prologue Avant is the powertrain. The original Prologue coupe had a 4.0-liter TFSI V-8 tuned to deliver a massive 605 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. A second Prologue coupe, this one with autonomous capability, added hybrid tech to the same V-8 to boost output to 667 hp and 701 lb-ft of torque. This third one features a diesel-based plug-in hybrid setup that Audi says is similar to the one set to debut in the new Q7 e-tron quattro.

A 3.0-liter TDI engine is paired with an electric motor integrated with the vehicle’s eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, and in the Prologue Avant the combined output has been dialed up to 455 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. In the upcoming Q7 e-tron quattro, the setup will be rated at 373 hp and 516 lb-ft. Audi says the Prologue Avant will sprint to 62 mph from rest in just 5.1 seconds and with a full charge of its battery (a 14.1-kWh lithium-ion unit) should be able to cover about 33 miles on electric power alone.

Other elements of the Prologue Avant that we should be seeing in the production world include its adaptive air suspension and all-wheel-steering system. The letter combines a dynamic transmission steering system on the front axle with an additional steering system for the rear wheels where an electric motor actuates two tie rods. When the driver steers speeds, the rear wheels turn up to five degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels. This gives the responsiveness of the car a further boost and reduces its turning circle. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels, helping to improve stability.

At 16.7 feet in length, 6.5 ft in width and 4.6 ft in height, the Prologue Avant is marginally longer, wider and higher than the Prologue coupe. The wheelbase is unchanged at 10 feet and all three Prologues ride on 22-inch wheels. The brakes are massive 20-inch carbon ceramic discs and drive is to all four wheels via a quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system.

Inside, the designers have gone with some dark shades. The dashboard consists of three touch displays (one to the left of the steering wheel, one to the right of the wheel and one in the center console). These control various functions such as the driver aids and multimedia. On top of this is the Audi virtual cockpit behind the steering wheel.

Article source: www.salon-auto.ch

New three-cylinder petrol engine joins updated A1 range polished by styling revisions, equipment upgrades and efficiency gains

• New three-cylinder addition to acclaimed A1 and A1 Sportback ranges takes entry price of Audi ownership to £14,315 OTR
• Available to order now in conjunction with SE or Sport specification – first UK deliveries in summer 2015
• A1 1.0 TFSI five-speed manual – 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds, top speed 116mph, combined MPG 67.3, CO2 97g/km
• A1 and A1 Sportback ranges recently enhanced by styling revisions inside and out, new or improved engines, more equipment and improved option packs

Weighing up the pros and cons of petrol and diesel power becomes a little harder for Audi A1 customers from today as a new super-frugal, 97g/km TFSI version of the three or five-door subcompact becomes available in the UK. Equipped with a characterful new three-cylinder engine – the first petrol unit with this configuration ever to be installed in an Audi model – the latest A1 variant promises to bring 67mpg-plus economy, peppy performance and the premium hallmarks that distinguish every Audi within even easier reach with an OTR price starting from £14,315.

The 95PS turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine effectively replaces the 89PS 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine available in the A1 since launch. It can call on a healthy 160Nm of torque to propel the A1 1.0 TFSI with standard five-speed manual gearbox to 62mph from rest in 10.9 seconds, regardless of whether it is powering the three-door or five-door Sportback body style. A seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission is also available, and with this installed the acceleration time is also unchanged in both versions. Top speed is 116mph in every case.

Equally importantly, the new engine can return up to 67.3mpg in the A1 when linked to the standard manual gearbox, or 64.2mpg in conjunction with the S tronic transmission, equating to CO2 figures of 97g/km and 102g/km respectively. Again, these figures apply regardless of the body style chosen.

For comparison, the 1.6-litre TDI which retains its position as the most frugal option in the updated range now benefits from an economy boost from 74.3mpg to 80.7mpg according to the combined cycle test, and a CO2 reduction from 99g/km to 92g/km in both body styles.

SE or Sport specification options

The new three-cylinder petrol engine is available in conjunction with either SE or Sport specification, both options including alloy wheels, remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors and a six-speaker single CD audio system with auxiliary iPod connection linked to a 6.5-inch retractable display. A secondary collision brake assist system, which can initiate automatic braking to reduce the risks of skidding and additional collisions during an accident, also now forms part of the standard equipment list.

Key upgrades which are new to the latest 2015 Sport specification include the Audi Music Interface and preparation for SD card-based navigation. They join existing features such as larger 16-inch wheels, sports suspension, sports seats, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation and a Driver’s Information System.

The firmer sports suspension configuration which is a standard feature of Sport models has been revised to increase its absorbency, but customers can now choose to replace it at no extra cost with the more supple set-up of the SE versions.

As always with the A1 and A1 Sportback, prospective owners of the new 1.0 TFSI version will be able to choose from a wealth of options to personalise their car and enhance it with features more commonly associated with models from the classes above.

The roof line in three-door models and the entire roof section in Sportback versions can be painted in a range of contrasting colours, creating an imposing and individual look that can be accentuated further by features such as privacy glass and a high gloss black styling package taking in the grille and side air inlets.

Distinctive accents can also be added in the high quality cabin, where elements such as the rear view mirror surround, air vent sleeves, door pulls and the edges of the centre console can be finished in vibrant colours including Misano red, Macao yellow and Glacier white.

Owners looking to maximise the A1’s big car condensed appeal also have a wide selection of cost effective bundled option packages to choose from which add everything from an open sky panoramic sunroof, acoustic parking control and LED interior lighting to satellite navigation, Audi Phone Box mobile connectivity and in-car internet services via Audi connect.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

V10 supercar is reborn with advanced new quattro all-wheel-drive and up to 610 PS propelling less weight to a top speed of 205mph

• Second generation of the acclaimed supercar makes its debut in Geneva
• Available to order in the UK in May 2015, first deliveries in quarter four – pricing expected to be confirmed soon after Geneva unveiling
• First UK customer deposits are already being taken
• 5.2 FSI engine with up to 610 PS, 0-62 mph in just 3.2 seconds
• New multimaterial Audi Space Frame with high proportion of aluminium and CFRP
• Up to 50kg lighter than its predecessor

The R8 is the dynamic spearhead of the Audi range. In its second generation, the high-performance sports car has been newly developed from the ground up – it is more taut, more striking and more focused. The high-revving V10 engine is available in two performance variants. In the top-of-the-range version with 610PS, it develops breathtaking power.

“Motorsport is in Audi’s DNA, it is part of our brand’s character,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at Audi. “With the new R8, our engineers are bringing accumulated racing expertise from the race track onto the road. No other model of ours evokes more dynamic emotion, none is closer to a race car. The new R8 V10 plus is the most powerful and fastest series production Audi of all time.”

The mid-engine principle used for the Audi R8 is not only a classic concept in motorsport but also an important piece of Audi tradition. The powerful engines were located in front of the rear axle even in the Grand Prix race cars brought to the start line by Auto Union in the 1930s – a revolutionary step at the time. In 2000, Audi won the 24-hour Le Mans endurance race with the LMP R8 prototype for the first time. By 2005, the car which provided the name for today’s series-production high-performance sports car had secured five overall victories at the Sarthe – the name chosen for the road version of the super sports car from Audi, R8, indicates the technological relationship between the two winners.

As the R8 LMS, the Audi R8 is also highly successful in customer racing. The basis for its success: motorsport was part of the development strategy from the very beginning. In 2009, the R8 LMS customer racing car began its success story which would lead it to more than 190 victories and 23 championship titles worldwide. Technically speaking, it is closely related to the road version of the sports car with around 50 percent of the same parts.

Up to 610PS: the two V10 engines

The new generation of the Audi R8 uses the latest development of the ten-cylinder engine. With its keen throttle response and ability to rev freely and quickly to 6,500 rpm accompanied by a glorious engine note, the naturally aspirated 5.2-litre FSI is a fittingly emotive power source. In the new R8, the naturally aspirated V10 engine offers even more power and torque than before. Controllable flaps in the exhaust system and an optional sports exhaust make the car sound even more formidable.

The ten-cylinder engine is available in two versions. In the R8 V10, it develops 540PS from its 5,204 cc displacement and peak torque of 540 Nm (398.3 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 62mph takes just 3.5 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of 200mph. The R8 V10 plus is even more powerful and is the fastest series-production Audi of all time. It develops 610PS and its maximum torque of 560 Nm (413.0 lb-ft) is available at 6,500 rpm. The performance figures are equally impressive: 0 to 62mph in 3.2 seconds, 0 to 124mph in 9.9 seconds, and a top speed of 205mph.

Cylinder-on-demand new to R8

A further innovation in the 5.2 FSI engine is the addition of indirect injection. It complements the FSI direct petrol injection, lowers fuel consumption and enhances engine output. Equally importantly, the latest R8 also employs COD (cylinder on demand) technology for the first time. The system shuts off one of the two cylinder banks by deactivating injection and ignition. The R8 V10 can return up to 23.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 275 grams per kilometre, for the R8 V10 plus those values are 22.8mpg and 289 grams per kilometre (preliminary data). These figures represent a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with the previous model, due in no small part to the new start-stop system.

The dry sump lubrication completes the technology package of the 5.2 FSI. The ten-cylinder engine is hand built in the Hungarian engine plant in Györ. As a traditional motorsport technology, it allows for low installation of the engine, which is particularly beneficial for the car’s centre of gravity. What's more, it also ensures oil supply even under extreme lateral acceleration.

Fast as lightning and highly variable: the power transmission

In both engine versions, power is transmitted to a rapid-shifting seven-speed S tronic transmission installed behind the engine. The S tronic has three automatic modes and can also be controlled manually. Shift commands are transmitted electronically (shift-by-wire). The launch control system manages full-throttle acceleration from a standing start.

Another function of the S tronic comes into play when the driver’s foot is removed from the accelerator pedal at speeds above 34mph. In such cases, both clutches open and the car enters coasting mode. This function saves a considerable amount of fuel, especially in everyday use.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system gives the new R8 a decisive advantage in terms of stability and traction when compared with two-wheel-drive competitors. On the front axle, an electrohydraulic multi-plate clutch replaces the Visco clutch of the predecessor model. The newly developed quattro drive system enables completely unrestricted and fully variable distribution of the drive torque to the front and rear axles depending on the driving situation and weather. In normal operation, up to 100 percent is transmitted to the rear wheels and, if required, the clutch continuously diverts up to 100 percent of this torque to the front wheels. Thanks to the mechanical differential lock on the rear axle, the driver experiences maximum traction without any slip.

Audi drive select: the chassis

In the chassis of the new Audi R8, double wishbones made from aluminium guide all four wheels. The R8 V10 plus has a particularly focused setup – for both engine variants, variable adaptively controlled Audi magnetic ride shock absorbers are available as an option. The newly developed electromechanical power steering system provides close contact with the road surface and makes a further contribution to reducing CO2 emissions. As an option, Audi offers dynamic steering, whereby the steering ratio varies in accordance with the road speed and the settings in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.

As standard, the new Audi R8 V10 has 19-inch wheels with size 245/35 tyres at the front and 295/35 at the rear. The steel brake discs have a weight-saving wave design and the calipers can be painted red upon request. In the R8 V10 plus, high-tech discs made from carbon fibre ceramic are responsible for deceleration of the 19-inch wheels.

Also new to the R8 is the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, which offers the driver a choice of four modes (comfort, auto, dynamic and individual) to control the way in which important technical components operate. As standard, the system takes into account the engine characteristics, steering, S tronic transmission and quattro drive system as well as optional extras such as Audi magnetic ride, the exhaust flaps and dynamic steering. On top of that, there is also a new performance mode (available as an option for the V10 and standard for the V10 plus). The driver activates it by pressing a separate button on the steering wheel. He or she can select between the programs dry, wet and snow using a rotary wheel. These programs support dynamic handling on dry, wet and snow-covered surfaces. In performance mode, Audi drive select also makes use of the ESC stabilisation control function.

New Audi Space Frame with high proportion of aluminium and CFRP

The R8 V10 plus has a dry weight of 1,454 kilograms. The key factor behind the consistent lightweight design is the body shell with multimaterial Audi Space Frame (ASF): It weighs only 200 kilograms. The resulting unladen weight of 1,555 kilograms leads to a superior power-to-weight ratio of 392PS per ton.

The ASF body shell features a completely new multimaterial lightweight construction concept. Components made from carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) form the B pillars, the central tunnel and the rear wall. The front section of the vehicle, the roof arch and the rear section form a framework made from cast aluminium nodes and aluminium profiles which, in some cases, employ new alloys. As always with the ASF, each component is precisely designed for its location and purpose. Accordingly, the engineers have now integrated some components into the body shell due to their function. Leaving aside its components, the body shell is now around 15 percent lighter than its predecessor. At the same time, a 40 percent improvement in torsional rigidity has also been achieved - the body of the new Audi R8 sets a new benchmark here. The resulting lightweight construction is unparalleled among the competition.

The multimaterial Audi Space Frame in the new Audi R8 is extremely light and rigid, whilst also being acoustically comfortable and offering a high level of safety. The outer skin is made entirely of aluminium, but as an optional extra (or as standard for the V10 plus), Audi also offers attachment parts made from clear-coated carbon fibre, for example the front splitter, the diffuser or the side blades. A long, rising diffuser in the underbody produces downforce on the rear axle at higher speeds.

Design: flat, wide, muscular

A cockpit positioned very far forward, a long, flowing back and a relatively short wheelbase – the exterior design makes the technical concept of the mid-engine, high-performance Audi R8 sports car clear upon first sight.

At 4.42 metres long, 1.24 metres high and with a wheelbase measuring 2.65 metres, its dimensions have only slightly changed in comparison to the previous model. Its width now measures 1.94 metres and has thus grown by about four centimetres. The car’s proportions convey more of a race car character, with characteristic design ideas from the previous model now more pronounced.

The four rings sit proudly on the bonnet, the Singleframe radiator grille with honeycomb design is wide and flat. Moulded plastic surfaces allow it to merge into the flat headlights – facets of the vehicle which highlight tension, provide an impression of depth and add an air of logic to the design. The grid-type signature of the all-LED headlights with vertical elements replicates the structure of the air inlets and emphasises the width of the car. The entire appearance of the Audi R8 conveys a feeling of lightness and technical precision. The dynamic turn signals are standard at the rear. The rear lighting signature also combines two vertical elements with a horizontal line. This gives the Audi R8 an even more powerful appearance.

As part of the new laser high beams, one laser module per headlight generates a cone of light with twice the range of the all-LED headlamp at 600 metres. Each module comprises four high-power laser diodes. With a diameter of just 300 micrometers, these generate a blue laser beam with a wavelength of 450 nanometers. A phosphor converter transforms it into white light suitable for roadway use with a colour temperature of 5,500 Kelvin – ideal conditions for the human eye that enable the driver to recognise contrast more easily and help to prevent fatigue. The laser spot is active from a speed of 37mph to supplement the LED high beam of the R8 and, thanks to its long range, greatly enhances the driver’s field of vision as well as safety. An intelligent camera-based sensor system detects other road users and actively adjusts the light pattern to exclude them. Dynamic turn signals are also integrated into the front headlight units.

On the high-performance sports car’s flanks, characteristically curved contours are drawn over the wheels. The shoulder line, shaped like a powerful muscle, connects the wheels with one another while at the same time dividing the side blade in two to leave an upper and a lower half. This new design solution makes the car appear even longer and more dynamic.

At the rear, as well, the lights and the air inlets visually connect to one another. The two tailpipes of the exhaust system have a trapezoidal design and the rear window offers a clear view of the illuminated engine compartment. The R8 is equipped with an electrically extending spoiler, the R8 V10 plus with a fixed wing made from CFRP.

Just like in a race car: the interior and the controls

Behind the steering wheel of the new Audi R8, the driver feels like a racing driver. All functions are driver-oriented and allow easy operation even when the critical limits are reached – and all without the driver having to take his or her hands off the steering wheel. The newly designed sport seats with integrated headrest provide excellent lateral support. Even more radical seating for a sports car comes in the form of the newly developed R8 bucket seats. These make a clear statement confirming the relationship between lightweight construction and comfort (optional in the V10 and standard in the V10 plus).

The start-stop button and the Audi drive select button are located on several satellites on the new multifunction plus steering wheel. The Performance steering wheel in the Audi R8 V10 plus features two more satellites. One button is for performance mode together with a rotary wheel for selecting the dry, wet and snow programs as well as a button for controlling the sports exhaust system.

The Audi virtual cockpit is set in a free-standing housing and presents all the information on its 12.3-inch display with elaborate and pin sharp graphics. The driver can toggle between different display modes and also adjust the digital instrument cluster to suit in individual mode. In performance mode, the driver is presented with information on the driving programs, acceleration, deceleration and lateral forces as well as power and torque. The Audi virtual cockpit also displays a shift light which illuminates when the rev limit has been reached. The driver operates the Audi virtual cockpit using the multifunction plus steering wheel. The driver’s hands remain on the steering wheel and he or she can concentrate on the road. Alternatively, operation can take place via the touch wheel or the buttons in the centre console.

In the design of the interior too, the taut geometric lines emphasise the aesthetic lightweight construction principles which the brand holds so dear. Its characteristic element is the monoposto, a large arc in the area around the driver’s seat. The three central control elements of the air conditioning system now reside where the MMI monitor was situated in the previous model. The three-dimensional design of the air outlet vents bring to mind the air inlets of a race car. The dashboard appears to float weightlessly. The wide console of the central tunnel accommodates the standard MMI terminal as well as the newly designed flat selector lever of the S tronic transmission.

When it comes to upholstery, customers can choose between Alcantara/pearl Nappa leather and fine Nappa leather. Also available are trim elements in clear coated carbon fibre, two leather packages and a new diamond stitching pattern.

Customization

There are numerous customisation possibilities for customers of the new Audi R8 – for both the exterior and the interior. The colours for the body have been newly mixed and can be freely combined with the colours of the side blades – a blade made from glossy carbon is a particular highlight of the range. Ten standard exterior colours are available - for the R8 V10 plus there is an additional Camouflage Green matt paint finish available.

Five colours are available for the interior, and there are numerous options to further customise it, for example with headlining in Alcantara with dynamic diamond stitching pattern. Offering a wealth of exterior and interior embellishments, the Audi exclusive programme offers enormous scope to turn the new R8 into a one-of-a-kind model.

Completely connected: infotainment

In the new Audi R8, the Audi virtual cockpit replaces the analogue instruments and the MMI monitor. The driver can switch the all-digital display between two different view modes. These bring either the virtual dial instruments or the large navigation map into focus.

The Audi R8 makes use of the latest technology in terms of infotainment. MMI navigation plus is installed as standard; the MMI touch touch wheel is the central control element. In the background, the second generation of the modular infotainment platform sets about its work – just like the Audi virtual cockpit, it integrates a super-fast T30 chip from Audi’s partner, NVIDIA.

MMI navigation plus is complemented by the Audi connect module. The passenger can connect a smartphone or tablet via the system’s integrated Wi-Fi hotspot. Tailored online services from Audi connect are displayed on the Audi virtual cockpit. The internet connection uses the fast LTE (Long Term Evolution) network. Optional components such as the fine-tuned sound system from Bang & Olufsen with a system performance of 500 watts or the Audi phone box for convenient mobile phone integration round off the infotainment programme.

New factory for quattro GmbH: production at the “Böllinger Höfe” site

The new Audi R8 is produced at the new “Böllinger Höfe” quattro GmbH production site, close to the Neckarsulm plant. The production area covering 30,000 m2 (322,917.3 sq ft) comprises a body shop and assembly facilities. The entire production facility is highly flexible, while technical and ergonomic innovations such as the CFRP body shell construction and driverless transport systems ensure top quality.

As was the case for the previous model, production follows an elaborate manufacturing process. In cycle times of about 30 minutes and with up to 400 highly qualified employees, the R8 is created using highly precise craftsmanship. Following completion, each R8 is subjected to a strict quality acceptance process on the internal plant test track and an approximately one-hour test drive on public roads. With the new R8 manufacturing site, quattro GmbH – the high-performance subsidiary of AUDI AG – is further enhancing its small-series expertise, thus creating the opportunity to realise ever more exciting derivatives of the R8.

Electrified: Audi R8 e-tron

The second generation of the Audi R8 forms the basis for two more models. Audi has made major engineering developments in its high-performance electric sports car, the R8 e-tron. The latest evolution of the vehicle takes up the multimaterial Audi Space Frame from the new series-production model.

The supporting structure was enhanced by a CFRP rear-section module comprising the luggage compartment. The walls of the CFRP luggage compartment well are corrugated. This way, in the event of a rear-end collision, more energy can be absorbed despite the reduced material weight.

Thanks to targeted modifications to the outer shell and on the wheels, the Audi R8 e tron achieves an aerodynamic drag coefficient (cd) value of 0.28. In terms of performance and range, the car enters an entirely new dimension.

The large T-shaped battery is structurally integrated into the centre tunnel and behind the occupant cell – optimally positioned in the car. It supports the dynamics of the R8 e-tron with its low centre of gravity. Audi produces the high-voltage battery itself, for the first time based on a newly developed lithium-ion technology which was specially conceived for a purely electric vehicle drive. In comparison to the first technology platform, the battery capacity has grown from 49 kWh to approximately 92 kWh. This progress was possible without changing the package.

The R8 e-tron achieves an electric range of approximately 280 miles - a considerable improvement over the technology platform’s 133 miles - with an energy density that has been increased from 84 Wh/kg to 154 Wh/kg and some other modifications to the car. The electrically powered high-performance sports car has the Combined Charging System (CCS) on board, which allows charging with direct and alternating current. Using this system, it is possible to fully charge the battery in significantly less than two hours.

The power is now 462PS and the maximum torque 920Nm. The R8 e-tron 2.0 accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 3.9 seconds on its way to an electronically restricted top speed of 130mph or 155mph. Intelligent energy management and an electromechanical brake system enable high energy recuperation rates. Targeted torque vectoring – needs-based distribution of power transmission between the rear wheels – ensures maximum stability and dynamism.

The R8 e-tron will become available for order in 2015 as an electrically powered sports car offering supreme hand-built quality.

New racing car: the Audi R8 LMS

Alongside the new R8 series-production model, the second-generation R8 LMS racing car is also making its debut, with colleagues from motorsport and series production working in close harmony as part of its development. Both the series-production model of the R8 and the R8 LMS have seen clear increases in power and performance compared with their predecessors. Both cars have around 50 percent of the same parts.

The body shell of the rear-wheel-drive GT3 sports car is based on a selectively reinforced multimaterial ASF. Engineers have supplemented this feature with a safety cage. Its outer shell consists mainly of carbon fibre reinforced plastics. The vehicle’s type approval weight is 1,225 kilograms. The V10 engine is virtually identical to the series-production engine and produces around 585PS, depending on the applicable regulations and the restrictor required.

Sales of the new R8 LMS to customer teams worldwide will start with the 2016 season. This year, the new racing car will be put through its paces by the works team at international long-distance and sprint races, as well as being available to customers as part of the Audi driving experience.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

Fifty years after its first domestic delivery Audi UK has registered an A3 Sportback plug-in hybrid as its two-millionth car sale

· First Audi model codenamed F103 reached the UK in 1965, when the brand sold just 32 cars

· Two millionth car sold by the UK importer is an A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid

· Sales success achieved through more than two decades of strong and virtually unbroken growth - 2014 was no exception with a record 158,987 sales

When just 32 cars bearing the four rings found homes in the UK in 1965, it would have seemed improbable that an incredible two million more would follow, but this major milestone has today been reached by Audi UK almost fifty years later.

The first four-ringed car sold to a UK customer was a ‘compact executive’ in a model range of just one, internally codenamed the F103 and publicly known simply as ‘The Audi’. It was to be the springboard for a range that in 2015 numbers some 51 model types ranging from subcompact city cars to ten-cylinder supercars, and which has recently welcomed the A3 Sportback e-tron, the brand’s first ever plug-in hybrid and the two millionth car to be handed over to a UK customer.

As parent company Audi AG edges ever closer to selling two million cars globally in a single year – around 1,741,000 cars were delivered to customers worldwide in 2014 – its UK importer has just cumulatively broken through the two million barrier buoyed by more than two decades of recession-resistant sales strength, during which time its trajectory has been upward in all but three years. From a base of just 14,344 cars in 1991, the brand exceeded 100,000 annual sales for the first time in 2007, and in 2014 posted a total of 158,987 deliveries.

Director of Audi UK André Konsbruck marked the momentous occasion by saying: “It’s hugely gratifying for the team in the UK to reach this significant milestone in the brand’s history in the UK, but it’s the contributory figures lying behind the headline number which really speak volumes about our recent past and our future aspirations. Domestically the brand has risen from humble beginnings in the Sixties to become the leader in the premium segment, and the last two decades have delivered virtually constant, and in all but three years record-breaking, growth. These are really robust foundations on which we plan to build consistently and substantially with the help of an ever expanding portfolio of models.”

Ingolstadt born and bred

‘The Audi’ which projected the green shoots of this abundant growth was built by Auto Union AG, the conglomerate whose emblem contained a ring representing each of its four constituent companies Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer. It was assembled at the company’s Ingolstadt plant in Bavaria, Germany, which remains the headquarters of the modern day Audi brand to this day, and it was the first car to leave the production line with a four-stroke engine rather than the more commonplace two-stroke design. In terms of horsepower, the 1700cc engine produced 72PS, a fraction of the 570PS available in the most powerful production Audi to head the current range – the limited edition R8 LMX. Priced at £160,000 OTR, its 5.2-litre V10 powerplant is capable of propelling the supercar to 62mph in just 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 198mph.

Available as a two-door ‘coupé’, four-door saloon or estate, ‘The Audi’ was essentially the precursor to the Audi 80 and 90, which went on to form the conceptual basis of the A4, the compact executive saloon which sparked a revolution for the Audi brand in 1995 and began to decisively cement its position as a fully fledged member of the premium sector establishment.

Two million cars further down the line, the model that has posted the milestone for Audi UK combines a conventional 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver the potential for up to 176mpg with CO2 emissions of just 37g/km.

The latest electric plug-in hybrid variant of the Audi A3, which was crowned World Car of the Year in 2014, can run exclusively on electric power for up to 31 miles at speeds of up to 80mph, or can be powered by petrol combustion alone. When the two power sources are combined, an overall operating range of up to 584 miles is possible. The battery powering the electric motor can be charged by plugging the A3 Sportback e-tron into a home wallbox for as little as two hours and fifteen minutes.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk