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  • TT ultra quattro concept destined for the Worthersee festival sheds 300kg (compared with closest equivalent production model) and benefits from a power boost for its 2.0-litre TFSI engine
  • 310PS, 400Nm between 1,900rpm and 5,000rpm
  • 1,111kg weight yields 279PS per ton, 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds, 173mph top speed
  • Extensive use of Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), Fibreglass-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) and magnesium reduces bodyshell weight by 100kg

Audi engineers are waging war on excess weight, and their latest victory is a TT 2.0 TFSI Coupe which has shed an incredible 300kg and gained a power upgrade to 310PS, giving it a 4.2-second 0-62mph sprint time and a top speed of over 170mph.

The TT ultra quattro concept is, as its name suggests, essentially a study developed for next month's annual gathering of Audi enthusiasts in Wörthersee, Germany, but it demonstrates how an intelligent mix of materials can bring about considerable weight savings even in existing series-production models. Work on the deployment of these materials could conceivably inform the development of future low-volume Audi model series.

The showcar tips the scales at a lean 1,111kg, an impressive achievement considering it combines its potent petrol engine with quattro all-wheel-drive. With 310PS and 400Nm of torque to propel this pared back mass via a six-speed transmission, the result is a highly impressive power-to-weight ratio of 279PS per ton, a blistering 4.2-second 0-62mph acceleration time and a top speed of 173mph.

The four-cylinder engine raises its game thanks to modifications to the crankcase, the crankshaft, the balancer shafts, the flywheel, the sump, the bolts and certain ancillary units that help to reduce the unit's weight by 25 kilograms.

No detail was too small to escape scrutiny during the optimisation process that culminated in the TT ultra quattro concept. With its innovative hybrid body shell the fully fledged production TT already boasts a low body weight of 206 kilograms (excluding detachable body parts amounting to 98 kilograms) which bears testament to Audi engineers' desire to account for every last gram.

The concept's body structure sheds another 43 kilograms, and with the help of optimised detachable body parts achieves a total weight saving of 100 kilograms.
The use of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) in the rear end, the centre tunnel, the B-pillars and the roof contributes to this significant saving, as do magnesium components in the floor and in the hinge reinforcements.

The front brakes with their ceramic discs and aluminium fixed calipers also make a contribution, and there are savings to be found in the titanium exhaust system with its single centrally mounted tailpipe and the CFRP wheels with their high-strength aluminium spokes, which shave off a particularly impressive 20 kilograms.

Fibreglass-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) springs

Fibreglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) also replaces more conventional steel for the coil springs in the suspension, helping to further reduce unsprung masses. The core of the all-new springs consists of long glass fibres twisted together and impregnated with epoxy resin. A machine wraps additional fibres around this core, which is only a few millimetres in diameter, at alternating angles of plus and minus 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis. These layers support each other and act in either compression or tension. The use of FRP at this point cuts weight by 40 per cent while still permitting good operating characteristics.

To further hone the nimble handling which is already a TT trademark, the developers have also concentrated on distributing the remaining weight as effectively as possible by moving it to the centre of the car wherever it was practical to do so. The lithium-ion starter battery, for instance, is located in the interior under the driver's seat. It is much smaller than a lead battery and weighs just under four kilograms (8.82 lb).

300KG total weight saving

Overall, these lightweight construction measures leave the concept car 300 kilograms lighter than the comparable series-production car, helping to minimise the inertial mass that the TFSI engine has to contend with during acceleration.

The exceptional calibre of the TT ultra quattro concept is reflected in its even more emphatic styling, the focal point of which is the large spoiler which gives a nod to its motorsport genes. The base of the rear wing is manufactured as a supporting component from milled aluminium, while the wing itself is made of visible carbon fibre.

The concept car is painted in the special colour crystal white, which is complemented by CFRP elements in the roof, the flanks and the tailgate. In the interior the same material also adorns the door trim, the centre console and the cross-bracing that replaces the rear seat bench. The standard front seats are also replaced by fibreglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) bucket seats from the R8 GT which help to reduce the all-up weight by a further 22 kilograms.

There are no compromises on equipment behind the headline-grabbing figures - air conditioning, electric window controls and an electromechanical parking brake are all included, and there are even innovations such as compact cameras in the doors which replace the exterior mirrors and transfer images directly into the digital cockpit.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

  • Deliveries worldwide at around 147,700 units in March, up 3.0 percent
  • UK cumulative sales up 9.7 per cent to 39,242 cars - March sales up 8.0 per cent to 24,913 cars
  • Record first quarter also in the United States and China
  • Sales chief Luca de Meo: "Successful start for the A3 Sportback"

Ingolstadt, April 8, 2013 - AUDI AG has enjoyed the strongest first quarter in its history: With worldwide deliveries reaching around 369,500 units for January through to March, the company improved on the prior-year quarter by 6.8 per cent.In this period, the automotive manufacturer achieved growth in all of its three main sales regions - Europe, Asia and North America. Unit sales in March played a major role in this respect. Audi handed over around 147,700 cars to customers - 3.0 per cent more than one year earlier. This made the past month the strongest March ever for the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer.

"Building on the first quarter's record deliveries, we want to continue this positive sales trend over the next months, too", says Luca de Meo, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. "The new A3 Sportback will also contribute to this goal. It was successfully introduced in the first markets in February and we are very pleased with the response from the dealerships."

The A1 Sportback, the A4 family and the SUV models in particular provided a further boost in the first quarter of 2013. Worldwide sales of the compact SUV Q3 gained 58.2 per cent year on year, climbing to around 28,550 units, while the Q5 grew by 15.6 per cent to some 56,350 units.

These models also strengthened the Ingolstadt carmaker's business in the European market. Despite the challenging economic environment, Audi achieved a slight increase in deliveries in Europe compared with the first quarter of 2012. Around 187,600 cars (+0.7%) were handed over to their new owners.

In Germany, the sales total for the month of March (24,701 units) was slightly down by 1.7 per cent on the previous year. Over the first three months of the year, Audi reported 59,116 cars sold on its home market, representing a growth rate of 2.0 percent. The most important model remained the A4 Avant. 11,077 customers were handed the keys to their new midsize car between January and March.

Another March sales boost for the UK

Also, in its second-largest market in Europe the company ended the quarter on a positive note compared to the previous year. In the UK, total sales climbed 9.7 per cent to 39,242 units, and March results in particular also showed growth, with Audi exceeding the strong prior-year month yet again by 8.0 per cent (24,913 units).

The markets in Eastern Europe continued to serve up steady growth between January and March (around 14,000 units, +9.1%). In Russia, total deliveries of 8,278 units equated to growth of 15.4 per cent. There, the most popular Audi models are the Q3 and Q5. These two SUV models accounted for 48 percent of Audi sales in Russia in the first quarter.

The market conditions remained tight in Southern Europe. In Italy, Audi's unit sales decreased by 6.4 per cent to 12,096 units in the first three months of 2013, and in France by 8.4 per cent to 14,542 units. In Spain however, deliveries increased slightly by 0.6 per cent on the prior-year quarter, with 10,897 cars sold.

AUDI AG ended the first quarter with a record-breaking start to the year in the United States, too. The success story of the previous months continued in March. Demand for the Ingolstadt manufacturer's models climbed 14.4 per cent to 13,253 cars. In total, Audi delivered 34,186 cars in the United States in the first three months, a gain of 16.0 per cent. Growth was particularly driven by the Q5 and Q7 SUV models, which grew by 37.3 per cent and 48.4 per cent respectively.

The company's flagship model also gained considerably - sales of the A8 rose by 37.3 per cent in the first quarter. The model's diesel version will be appearing in April, signalling the next step in Audi's successful TDI drive in the US. The A8 TDI will be joined by diesel versions of the A6, A7 and Q5 over the course of 2013.

Further countries in the Americas enjoyed double-digit growth in first-quarter deliveries, too. In Mexico, for instance, Audi grew by 48.6 per cent to 2,609 units and in Brazil by 11.1 percent to 1,157 units.

China: 100,000 cars in just three months

In Audi's biggest sales market, in China, the four rings exceeded the threshold of 100,000 units after only three months for the first time in the brand's 25 years in that market. In the first quarter, 102,810 cars were handed over to Audi customers, a gain of 14.2 percent. In March, the rise was at 10.7 percent to 34,864 units.

Between January and March, the A6 L further underscored its position as the most successful business saloon in the Chinese premium segment. Sales of 36,489 units represent an increase of 36.7 per cent. In the coming months, two important market launches will further boost Audi's business in China. The locally produced Q3 will shortly be arriving at the dealerships, followed soon afterwards by the new generation of the Q5.

Audi also enjoyed a strong first quarter in the entire Asia-Pacific region with around 124,200 cars delivered and a growth rate of 14.9 per cent. Various markets contributed to this progress, like South Korea, where sales were up 31.1 per cent. In Japan, sales grew by 17.4 per cent between January and March, while sales in India advanced by 15.3 per cent.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

The Audi A7 Sportback benefits from lightweight construction technology.

The A7 Sportback's body parts, where possible, are made from lightweight aluminium including elements of the doors, the bonnet, the tailgate and the wings.

But this lightweight construction does not come at the expense of safety. Throughout the A7 Sportback's body, specific zones requiring reinforcement have panels of varying thickness ensuring strength in the event of a collision.

The lightweight construction is also applied to the suspension with diecast aluminium being used at the front suspension-strut mounts. The control arms, pivot bearings and wheel carriers also have aluminium components to reduce weight.

All this ensures that the Audi A7 Sportback has maximum performance with no detrimental effect to safety.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

The Amplified Edition* adds a flash of individuality and distinctive style to your car. It’s a striking look inside and out: from the understated exterior matt stripe and the bi-colour alloy wheels to the contrasting stitching on the seats. All that’s left to do is choose the colour: Amplified red or Amplified white.

The Amplified Edition is also available on the A1 Sportback.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

First ever 'three-box' A3 and S3 models set to join the UK range offering generous passenger and luggage space in a compact footprint

  • All-new A3 Saloon range and 300PS S3 Saloon flagship available to order in the UK from the summer – prices TBC
  • A3 Saloon first deliveries in autumn 2013, S3 first deliveries in early 2014
  • Two TFSI petrol engines and one TDI at launch in A3 Saloon range – 1.4 TFSI 140PS with Cylinder-on-Demand (CoD) technology, 1.8 TFSI 180PS and 2.0 TDI 150PS
  • 1.4-litre TFSI capable of up to 60.1mpg, all-new 2.0-litre TFSI in S3 combines 300PS with potential for up to 40.9mpg
  • More seats-up luggage capacity than Sportback, same level of cabin space

The all-new Audi A3 is already famed for offering the finish and feel of an executive class car, and as if to emphasise the point it now has the boot to complete the impression – the new A3 Saloon range becomes available for UK ordering this summer, closely followed by the 300PS, quattro all-wheel-driven S3 Saloon. The first ever booted A3 begins the Vorsprung durch Technik brand’s foray into the world’s largest market segment – the compact saloon class. It slickly integrates more seats-up load space than the A3 Sportback with similarly ample passenger accommodation and performance, the latter helped by ‘Audi ultra’ lightweight construction processes that trim weight to as little as 1,205kg.

The design of the new A3 Saloon is a cross between the classic three-box concept and the coupé philosophy. Its overhangs are short, and its “tornado line” design element forms a distinct light-refracting edge that runs along the entire side. Above the side sills, the dynamic line rises more sharply than in the other two A3 models. The side surfaces have more pronounced curves, and the wheel arches are also slightly more flared. At the front, the bonnet contours, bumper and air intake design and the single frame grille have been redefined for the newcomer, while at the rear, lights with broad and low cuts emphasize the car’s horizontal lines and an integrated ‘kicked-up’ boot spoiler lends a purposeful air.

Vital statistics include a length of 4,460 millimetres, a 150 millimetre increase on the A3 Sportback, and a width of 1,796 millimetres, which is 11 millimetres wider. At 1,416 millimetres in height the A3 Saloon is also nine millimetres lower. The wheelbase equals the A3 Sportback at 2,636 millimetres, providing plenty of passenger room between the axles. The boot’s carrying capacity amounts to 425 litres with the seats up – 45 litres more than the A3 Sportback. This capacity can be increased by folding down the split rear seat backs. The boot lid automatically swings upward when unlocked.

The strict dictate of ‘Audi ultra’ lightweight design is evident in the 1,205kg kerb weight, which applies to the A4 1.4 TFSI Saloon that initially kicks off the range. Audi uses many hot-formed steel parts in the passenger compartment for low weight and maximum strength, and the aluminium bonnet and front suspension sub-frame also help to lighten the load.

Three engines at launch

The low 100kg weight of the 1.4-litre TFSI 140PS engine itself also facilitates keen performance and nimble handling. It is one of three completely redesigned units to be available at launch, all of which bring together efficiency technologies including direct fuel injection, turbocharging, innovative thermal management and the start-stop system. The line-up of engines and transmissions will grow further, and will include two new entry level engines.

As well as low weight, this 140PS version of the 1.4 TFSI is also notable for its efficiency-focused Cylinder on Demand technology. At low engine load, the system deactivates two cylinders to minimise mechanical effort and cut fuel consumption. As a result, combined economy tops out at a TDI-rivalling 60.1mpg, while CO2 is pared back to 109 grams per km. Helped by its healthy 250Nm torque peak, the A3 1.4 TFSI Saloon takes just 8.4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62mph, and can reach 132mph where conditions allow.

The 1.8-litre TFSI which is next in line produces 180PS and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque. It employs state-of-the-art technologies, including dual injection into the combustion chambers and the induction manifold, to deliver a broad spread of strong performance, but its headline figures are a 7.3-second 0-62mph sprint time and a 144mph top speed. Combined fuel economy is 49.6mpg, equivalent to 135 grams of CO2 per km.

The diesel contingent is initially represented by the latest 2.0-litre TDI producing 150PS and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque. It powers the A3 Saloon from 0 to 62mph in 8.4 seconds, takes it to a top speed of 132mph and is capable of returning up to 67.3mpg. This equates to CO2 output of 108 grams per km.

S tronic with free-wheeling function

Depending on the engine chosen, the standard transmission is either a manual six-speed or the S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. S tronic shifts without any noticeable break in propulsive power, and is controlled by either the selector lever or paddles on the steering wheel. The ‘D’ setting is programmed for maximum fuel efficiency, and the S mode with its higher shift points for more energetic driving. Where the Audi drive select adaptive vehicle dynamics system is fitted, S tronic offers a free-wheeling function in its efficiency mode which further reduces fuel consumption.

The much praised underpinnings of the A3 and A3 Sportback are of course also the foundation for the new saloon, and it also shares their electromechanically assisted steering. A finely balanced axle load distribution (60 per cent front and 40 per cent rear, with slight variations depending on the engine chosen) and front wheel suspensions positioned well forwards work in favour of both ride and handling.

The front suspension is a MacPherson design with A-arms and aluminium pivot bearings joined to an aluminium subframe. The four-link rear suspension incorporates a steel crossmember, and its springs and shock absorbers are mounted separately. The sports suspensions for Sport and S line versions lower the body by up to 25 mm, and all configurations work with an Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) which includes an electronic differential lock. In fast driving through corners, this brakes the inside front wheel very slightly to minimise understeer and improve traction.

The interior of the Audi A3 Saloon is characterised by clean lines and impressive attention to detail. The slender instrument panel with its curved front and the driver –oriented centre console epitomise simplicity and understatement. Their focal point is the MMI Radio operating system with its electrically extending screen and centre tunnel-mounted control terminal. The centre tunnel also houses the electromechanical parking brake switch.

The multi-function steering wheel has either three or four spokes, depending on the version, and in S line models also has a flat bottom. S line specification also features familiar features such as sports seats trimmed in cloth and leather and an all-black interior colour scheme.

Highlights common to all Saloon variants will include alloy wheels, air conditioning or climate control, the MMI radio with folding screen and standard digital radio, preparation for SD card navigation, Audi Music Interface (AMI) iPod connection, a Driver Information System, the Bluetooth mobile phone interface with voice control and a multi-function steering wheel.

Fingertip data entry

Like its hatchback counterparts, the A3 Saloon makes use of the new modular infotainment system (MIB). The most sophisticated of its modules is MMI Navigation plus with an SSD hard drive offering 64 GB of storage, a DVD drive and whole-word voice control. A high-resolution 7-inch-screen shows the map image in detailed 3D graphics, and the system also provides an interface with mobile phones and mobile players via Bluetooth. The user terminal has a turn/push control designed as a “touchwheel” with MMI touch – the touchwheel’s top surface is a touch-sensitive pad for inputting letters, symbols and numbers.

Other infotainment components include the Audi phone box for conveniently coupling a mobile phone to the car antenna and the Bang & Olufsen sound system. Its 705 watt amplifier drives 14 loudspeakers in 5.1 surround sound, helping to make the most of the digital radio receiver and AMI interface. LED light guides illuminate the woofer grilles in the front doors.

Another particularly noteworthy option is MMI High with Audi connect. Audi connect covers all technologies that network the driver with the car, the Internet, infrastructure and other vehicles. The new A3 Saloon will be able to connect to the Internet via a super-fast LTE/4G standard telephone module which enables a download rate of up to 100 MBit/s in the car. Passengers will be able to surf and e-mail via an integrated WLAN hotspot, and will also have access to customized Audi Internet services ranging from navigation using images from Google Earth and Google Street View to Audi traffic information online and the smartphone app Audi music stream. They will also be able to communicate on Facebook and Twitter via a practical text function using prepared text units.

Optional full-LED headlights

Audi also offers many more comfort and convenience options, including a panoramic glass sunroof, the advanced key access and authorisation system, and adaptive xenon lights. Full-LED headlights will also be available right from launch to supplement the standard xenon lights in S line models and the halogen units in other versions – their innovative technology and distinctive appearance underscore the technological sophistication of the A3 Saloon. In conjunction with MMI Navigation plus, the lighting system uses route data to optimally illuminate the road depending on the driving situation.

Optional driver assistance systems also come from the premium class. The adaptive cruise control (ACC) maintains a desired distance between the A3 Saloon and the vehicle in front of it up to a speed of 93mph; when the driver assistance package, which combines multiple systems, is specified the control range is extended up to 124mph. When combined with S tronic, ACC also offers a stop&go function for low speeds.

The rear radar sensor Audi side assist monitors lane changes, while Audi active lane assist helps the driver to keep within the lane by making slight corrections to the electromechanical steering as necessary. The Audi active lane assist video camera is also used for traffic sign recognition. Finally, park assist with display of the surroundings relieves the driver of steering work in parallel and perpendicular parking manoeuvres.

Another highly protective option is the Audi pre sense basic safety system, which networks the vehicle’s systems and takes preventative action including seatbelt tensioning and window and sunroof closure if sensors detect an impending collision. If the adaptive cruise control option is added, it also incorporates the Audi pre sense front system. In case of an imminent rear-end collision, the system warns the driver using a staged reaction strategy; if necessary, it can even initiate hard braking. In an emergency situation at speeds under 19mph it can pull up the A3 Saloon with nearly full braking power. If a crash occurs, the brake assist system avoids secondary collisions by ensuring that the car does not travel further in an uncontrolled manner.

The Audi S3 Saloon

Soon after the launch of the new Saloon range, its flagship – the S3 Saloon – will make its debut. Its 2.0-litre TFSI engine produces 300PS and 380 Nm (280.27 lb ft) of torque, and combines highly advanced efficiency technologies – dual fuel injection, exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head, the Audi valvelift system and a rotary valve module for thermal management.

Paired with S tronic transmission and aided by the fast-acting quattro all-wheel-drive system based on a multi-plate clutch system, the S3 Saloon will accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 4.9 seconds; with the standard manual transmission it will need 5.3 seconds. In both cases top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, and in both cases fuel economy can notably exceed 40mpg according to the official combined cycle test – 40.9mpg with S tronic transmission and 40.4mpg where the manual gearbox is fitted. This pegs CO2 output at 159 and 162g/km respectively.

S-specific sports suspension lowers the body by 25 mm in the interest of cornering composure, electrically assisted variable ratio steering provides the right degree of weighting and feedback for every situation and large high performance brakes with 340mm front discs deliver high performance stopping power.

The S3 Saloon can scythe through corners even more cleanly if the optional Audi magnetic ride damper control with its magnetorheological fluid-filled dampers is specified. Audi magnetic ride is controllable via the standard Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, which offers Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency and Individual modes, and also governs the operating characteristics of the throttle, the steering, the optional S tronic transmission and the optional adaptive cruise control. In Efficiency mode these features, and also the climate control system, are set to function with minimal input from the alternator in order to conserve fuel.

Visually, the flagship in the new Saloon range is distinguished by S-specific treatments for the bumpers, single frame grille, air intakes, exterior mirror housings, side sills and rear spoiler. Four chrome-trimmed oval tailpipes embedded in the diffuser also attest to the 300PS at the driver’s disposal. In the interior, the S3 Saloon is set apart by S sports seats, instruments with grey dials and trim strips in black 3D look.

The new S3 Saloon and its A3 Saloon counterparts are set to become available to order in the UK in the summer, and full UK pricing and specification for all variants will be confirmed nearer to that point. The first A3 Saloon models will reach UK customers in the autumn of 2013, and the first examples of the S3 Saloon in early 2014.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

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