** The collective fuel consumption values of all models named and available on the German market can be found in the list provided at the end of this MediaInfo.

Since the first generation, the Audi A3 has had innovations and quality characteristics of the full‑size class on board. After it was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1996, it immediately opened up its own market segment and is thus considered to be the founder of the premium compact class. The Audi employees in Ingolstadt have built almost 3.8 million Audi A3 models at the headquarters of the four rings since the start of production. The Audi A3 was also produced at the Audi location in Brussels from 2007 to 2009. The joint production of the Audi A3 Sedan** currently still runs between Ingolstadt and Győr. The Audi A3 Cabriolet** is also built by Audi Hungaria. The Audi A3 Sportback and A3 Sedan additionally roll off the production line at the Chinese Foshan plant; the A3 Sedan is also produced in Aurangabad/India and São José dos Pinhais/Brazil. 

The new Audi A3 remains an Ingolstadt exclusive. “The A3 is a success story for our location – we are proud to be able to continue this story in 2020 with the new generation,” says Achim Heinfling, Plant Manager at Audi Ingolstadt. “We are well prepared at the location. For the production of the body, we have built a completely new body shop in the northern complex especially for this model. All other production areas have been comprehensively adapted for the new Audi A3. The production technologies were increasingly digitalized in the process.” 

The new model from Ingolstadt is sporty and dynamic with strong powertrains. Customers can order progressive steering and an adaptive suspension as optional extras. Electrified drives ensure high efficiency, supported by innovative assist systems. From its cockpit to its light signature and infotainment, the new Audi A3 Sportback** is digitalized. Additionally, Audi is offering seat upholstery made from recycled material for the new A3 for the first time. 

With its start of production in Ingolstadt, the Audi A3 remains a companion for many Audi employees: For example, Reinhold Konegen experienced how the trade fair newcomer in Paris in 1996 became a customer favorite. He attached wheels, routed cables, mounted air filters, and was responsible for adjusting the suspension and track for 17 years. For the last eight years, he has been testing each unit at counting point 8 as the final “finisher.” He explains: “The Audi A3 is a part of my life.”

An overview of the milestones of the A3 model series:

• 1996: Audi presents the first A3 at the Paris Motor how, exclusively as a three‑door model. With its powerful design and characteristically sporty elegance, the premium compact immediately becomes a trendsetter. At this time, no other car in this class offers the combination of a high‑quality interior, perfect ergonomics, and highly developed technology.  

• 1998: For the first timein the compact segment, the Audi A3 with quattro permanent all‑wheel drive is presented.

• 1999: A five‑door variant is added to the model series. The first generation of the sporty Audi S3 with a 154 kW/210 PS five‑valve turbocharged engine and permanent all‑wheel drive makes a forceful statement.

• 2004: The Audi A3 Sportback makes its debut. The concept of the five‑door premium compact has been completely reinterpreted. 

• 2008: The first open variant of the A3 family appears: The Audi A3 Cabriolet** launches in 2008 with a classic cloth top. At the end of March 2008, the millionth unit of the second A3 generation rolls off the production line. 

• 2012: The third generation of the Audi A3 is presented also as a notchback sedan at the Geneva Motor Show. 

• 2016: Each and every variant in the A3 product line receives a technology update. The Audi RS 3 Sportback is the sporty spearhead of the product line; Audi presents the RS 3 Sedan at the motor show in Paris.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

In “Genius Loci“ Reine, a young loner, wanders around the city at night. There is chaos everywhere: in her head and outside, in the big city. Things are taking on a life of their own. Young Reine is on the search, but she does not know what she is looking for. In delicate drawings and fluid animations, we see the world through her eyes and her perception becomes tangible. 

After studying at the French animation school EMCA, Mérigeau went to the Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon to work on two Oscar-nominated feature films. “Genius Loci” is the director’s second short film. "It was important for me to work on paper, since traditional drawing, unlike digital, requires concentration and a meditative approach in one’s gestures”, says Mérigeau when asked about the working process on “Genius Loci”. “It helps me maintain a direct, affective connection with the element I’m drawing." 

To mark the 70th anniversary of the Berlinale and its seventh season as a principal sponsor, Audi celebrated the diversity of artistic positions and open discourses together with trendsetting talents and international film greats such as Helen Mirren, Margaret Qualley, Johnny Depp and Salma Hayek. The purely electrical drives to the red carpet with the Audi e-tron* and the two new plug-in-hybrid models Audi A8 TFSI e* and A7 Sportback TFSI e* ensured that the stars of the international film industry made an exciting appearance. The new Audi e-tron Sportback* opened the red carpet of the Berlin International Film Festival and used its new digital matrix LED headlights to project a video clip onto a screen as an act of homage to mark the 70th anniversary. 

The Berlin International Film Festival awards the Audi Short Film Award in the Berlinale Shorts section. In addition to the Golden and the Silver Bears, this award is one of the most coveted awards at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival for short films. With a value of €20,000, the award is among the most valuable worldwide for short film prizes. “The short film is a defiant form, one that offers a particularly high level of artistic freedom. We are fascinated by this principle of short films as freedom plays an important role at Audi as well – particularly when it comes to innovations for the future of mobility,” says Hubert Link, Head of Marketing Germany at AUDI AG. 

A total of 24 films from 18 countries, curated by the new Head of Berlinale Shorts, Anna Henckel-Donnersmarck, were evaluated by the International Short Film Jury, consisting of Réka Bucsi (Hungary), Fatma Çolakoğlu (Turkey) and Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese (Lesotho). “United in a desire for freedom and innovation, Audi and the short film form an ideal alliance in the Berlinale Shorts competition,” says Anna Henckel-Donnersmarck. Different works that received the Audi Short Film Award in previous years formed part of the Berlinale Open House Program 2020. These included “Planet ∑” by Momoko Seto (2015), “Solar Walk” by Réka Bucsi (2018) and “Rise” by Bárbara Wagner and Benjamin de Burca (2019), which once again exhibited their power in an unusual setting. 

In the public, free-of-charge cultural program Berlinale Open House, Audi showcased additional wide-ranging discussions, interviews, workshops and concerts together with the Berlinale. “The Audi Berlinale Lounge is a place for exchanging ideas on a wide range of topics and an important festival meeting point, directly beside the Berlinale Palast with an excellent view of the red carpet,” says Mariette Rissenbeek, the new Executive Director of the Berlin International Film Festival. Almost 15,000 guests attended the program events in the Audi Berlinale Lounge. Among them were Zeit Online editor Matthias Kalle as well as Birgit Heidsiek from Green Film Shooting and outstanding artists such as Leopold. The Audi Denkwerkstatt Berlin, together with Martin Eyerer, CIO Factory Berlin, and other pioneering thinkers, focused on the further development of prototypes in film and mobility. The issue of sustainability was presented by the UN climate ambassador and Audi formula E race driver Lucas di Grassi and discussed with the public. In addition, the Berlinale Lounge Nights provided the perfect way to round off the event-filled days at the festival.

Consumption values of the models listed
Fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures given in ranges depend on the tires/wheels used as well as the selected equipment.

Audi e-tron: 
Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km: 24.3–21; Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 0

Audi e-tron Sportback:
Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km: 23.9–20.6; Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 0

Audi A8 TFSI e:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (US mpg): 2.6–2.5 (90.5–94.1); Current consumption combined in kWh/100km: 21.2–20.8; Combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 60–57 (96.7–91.7)

Audi A7 Sportback TFSI e:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (US mpg): 2.1–1.8 (112.0–130.7); Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km*: 18.1–16.6; Combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi)*: 48–44 (77.2–70.8)

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Distinctive: design and lighting

The new Audi A3 Sportback features compact proportions and a sporty design. The wide Singleframe and large air inlets at the front end accentuate the dynamic character of the premium compact car. The shoulder of the body extends in a smooth line from the headlights to the rear lights. The surface below is curved inward – a new element of Audi’s design that puts a stronger emphasis on the wheel arches. The digital daytime running lights of the Matrix LED headlights are a further innovation. They consist of a pixel array made up of LED segments in a three by five arrangement that create special light signatures and make the A3 immediately recognizable. The sporty and sophisticated design is continued in the interior with the new shifter, aluminum or carbon inlays, striking door openers and an instrument panel with a black-panel look. Seat upholstery made of recycled PET bottles and adorned with stylish contrasting stitching are being used for the first time. 

Digitalized: controls and displays 

The cockpit of the A3 Sportback is wholly focused on the driver. It uses familiar elements from the brand’s full-size models and is equipped with a 10.1-inch touch display as standard, which is integrated into the center of the instrument panel. This recognizes letters entered by hand, provides acoustic feedback and can be controlled using natural language. The instrument cluster, which the driver operates via the multifunction steering wheel, is also digital as standard. The Audi virtual cockpit offers additional functions such as a large display of the navigation map. The plus version measures 12.3 inches and offers three different views, including graphics with a sporty look. A head-up display that projects important information onto the windshield in color can be installed upon request. 

Intensified: the infotainment 

The MMI operating concept is powered by the new third generation modular infotainment platform. Its computing power is ten times higher than that of its predecessor, it performs all tasks relating to connectivity, including telephony and the Audi connect services with LTE Advanced speed, and also has an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot.

Individual settings can be stored in up to six user profiles – from climate control and the seat position to frequently selected navigation destinations and frequently used media. The DAB+ digital radio is included as standard and the online or hybrid radio is available as an option. Route guidance is even easier and more flexible. For example, the navigation offers predictions on the development of the traffic situation, high-resolution satellite images from Google Earth and detailed 3D models of many major European cities. Audi connect enriches points of interest with photos, opening hours and user reviews. The connect services also include the car-to-X services. They help with finding free parking spots on the roadside or allow the driver to surf the green wave by communicating with traffic lights. The A3 Sportback is connected to the smartphone via the myAudi app, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as via the Audi phone box. The latter connects the device to the car antenna and charges it inductively. The Audi connect key, which authorizes the customer to lock and unlock the car and start the engine via their Android smartphone, and Amazon Alexa will follow shortly after the market launch.

Sophisticated: the engines

The new Audi A3 Sportback is being launched in Europe with a choice of three engine versions – a 1.5 TFSI with 110 kW (150 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.1 – 4.8*; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 116 – 111*) and a 2.0 TDI that delivers 85 kW (116 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 3.6 – 3.5*; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 96 – 92*) or 110 kW (150 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 3.9 – 3.7*; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 103 – 98*). All engines impress with their powerful torque and sophisticated running characteristics. The engine versions at start of production will be combined with front-wheel drive. Power will be transmitted by a six-speed manual transmission or the quick-shifting seven-speed S tronic, the selector lever of which is now designed as a compact shifter. The driver can push and pull this to control the basic functions of the automatic transmission. Shortly after market launch, Audi will be gradually expanding the offer to include further engine versions, including electrified drive systems and versions with quattro drive. 

Refined: the suspension

The suspension of the new A3 Sportback – with a four-link rear axle for engines from 110 kW (150 PS) – is sporty and balanced, combining pleasant ride comfort with good dynamics. Upon request, the suspension is available with adaptive damper control, which simultaneously lowers the body by 10 millimeters (0.4 in). Each damper permanently adapts to the road condition, the driving situation and the settings in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, creating a wide spread between highly comfortable roll motion and agile handling. With the sport suspension – standard in conjunction with the S line exterior, otherwise an option – the focus is clearly on the latter. Due to the tauter tuning of the suspension and dampers and the fact that the vehicle is lowered by 15 millimeters (0.6 in), the compact model conveys an even more direct contact with the road surface. 

Well versed: the driver assist systems

Equipped with Audi pre sense front, swerve assist and lane departure warning, the A3 Sportback helps prevent accidents with other road users and offers a high level of safety as standard. Further assist systems, such as the lane change and exit warnings as well as the cross-traffic and park assist systems, are available as an option. The adaptive cruise assist, which customers know from many of the full-size models, assists with longitudinal and lateral guidance. It maintains the speed and distance to the vehicle in front and assists with lane guidance by means of gentle interventions in the electromechanical steering. This increases the level of driving comfort during long journeys in particular.

Optimized: the space concept 

The new A3 Sportback offers more space and functionality combined with compact external dimensions. Measuring 4.34 meters (14.2 ft) in length and 1.82 meters (6.0 ft) in width without the mirrors, the premium compact car has grown by just over three centimeters (1.2 in) compared with its predecessor. The height of 1.43 meters (4.7 ft) and the wheelbase of 2.64 meters (8.7 ft) remained unchanged. Depending on the position of the rear bench seat, the luggage compartment holds between 380 (13.4 cu ft) and 1,200 liters (42.4 cu ft), and the loading floor can be inserted at different heights. An electric tailgate, which can also be controlled with a foot motion, is available upon request. 

Scheduled: market launch and prices

Presales of the new Audi A3 Sportback start in many European countries in March 2020, with the first vehicles to be delivered to customers at the beginning of May. The 1.5 TFSI with 110 kW (150 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.1 – 4.8*; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 116 – 111*) starts at 28,900 euros. The market launch will be accompanied by a special-edition model: the A3 Sportback edition one with exclusive features. From the outside, it can be recognized by attachments in matt platinum gray as well as darkened Matrix LED headlights and 18-inch wheels in titanium gray. The S line interior with newly developed sport seats including integrated head restraints, aluminum inlays and stainless steel pedals round out the dynamic look.

Dynamism 2.0: the driving experience

The driving experience of the two prototypes for the Audi e-tron S-models cannot fail to impress with its level of dynamism, agility and traction increased once more. In the S gear, both cars go from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.1 mph)in 4.5 seconds – almost seamlessly and nearly no noise – propulsion does not end until 210 km/h (130.5 mph), limited electronically. Thanksto a powerful cooling system, the drive gives the full boost power of 370 kW and 973 Nm (717.6 lb-ft) of torque in reproducible form for eight seconds in each case. The nominal values in the D gear without boost are 320 kW and 808 Nm (596.0 lb-ft).

In terms of handling, the electric S models cannot fail to impress with their outstanding agility and traction: They can accelerate from a curve as dynamically as a sports car, their drive character is much more focused on the rear wheels and much more sporty in nature. If theESC stabilization control is set to “Sport” and the Audi drive select dynamic handling system is set to maximum performance with “Dynamic” mode, the drive layout facilitates a high level of transverse dynamics and, on request, controlled drifts as well. The driving behavior is predictable at all times, and is characterized by an ultra-high level of safety and reliability.

The drive layout: three electric motors in the future mass production

The new Audi e-tron S models will be the first electric cars worldwide with three motors in mass production. Their drive layout is based on the concept with two different asynchronous motors (ASM); the e-tron product line was designed in modular form in line with this from the start.

The larger electric motor, which powers the rear axle in the Audi e-tron 55 models (current consumption combined in kWh/100 km*: 26.4–21.9 (WLTP); 23.1–20.6 (NEDC), combinedCO2 emissions in g/km: 0), has now been installed on the front axle in an adapted design and configured for 124 kW of power, or 150 kW in the boost. The smaller electric motor now works in a modified form in the rear, together with a counterpart that is identical in design; together, they offer 196 kW of power, or 264 kW in the boost.

Innovation from the quattro pioneer: twin motor with electrical torque vectoring

The drive has been programmed for efficiency in everyday life; in normal driving mode, only the rear electric motors work. The front drive is unpowered but switches itself on – with the driver barely noticing – if the driver needs more power. It also switches on predictively if the grip declines. It does so when friction values are low and during rapid cornering. The electric all-wheel drive is complemented by a further technical innovation in the form of electrical torque vectoring, which brings the advantages of the conventional sport differential into the electric era. Each one of the rear electric motors sends the drive forces directly to the wheel via a transmission; there is no longer a mechanical differential. 40 years following the launch of quattro technology, Audi is thus raising the principle of the four powered wheels to a completely new level of technology. The result: more agile driving and self-steering characteristics, and thus a higher cornering speed.
One further advantage is the traction. If, during acceleration, a rear wheel comes into contact with a road surface with a low friction value, i.e. if the road surface is covered in black ice or has a loose subsurface, the moment can be distributed precisely and quickly between the two motors. The full moment is gradually distributed to the wheel with powerful traction, while the wheel with low traction continues moving with almost no moment.
The two prototypes of the e-tron S models drive on 20-inch alloy wheels in the 5-V-spokeS design as standard. Different wheels up to 22 inches in size are available on request. To achieve an S-typical transverse dynamism, the tire widths in the sizes 20 inches, 21 inches and 22 inches have all been enlarged to 285 mm (11.2 in). Black brake calipers with a red S rhombus, with six pistons at the front in each case, grip the large brake discs (front diameter: 400 mm (15.7 in)). A further standard feature is the sporty progressive steering – its ratio becomes more and more direct, the further the driver turns the steering wheel. The front and rear axles have been created as a five-link design. Harmonization of the elastokinematics and of the dampers has also been optimized for the S models. In order to even further reduce the rolling movements during cornering, the stabilizers on both axles have been enlarged.

Up to 150 kW: peak power, even during charging

When the driver is on the road, the electric S models can be charged with up to 150 kW of direct current power (HPC), such as in the European Ionity network. This means that charging from 5 to 80% only takes around half an hour. An important factor for this is the elaborate thermal management system with a standard heat pump, which cools and heats the battery, the interior and the electric motors with four circuits. In addition, the Audi models will also be able to charge with up to 11 kW of alternating current (AC).

The Audi e-tron Charging Service guarantees convenient access to more than 140,000 public charging points in 24 European countries on request – with nothing more than a charging card. In the first year, Audi covers the basic fee for the transit rate, which also offers access to high power charging columns.

Optical statement: widening the wheel arches

The powerful and sporty design of the e-tron S models features Audi’s progressive design vocabulary, which emphasizes the strong contours of the wheels. Details such as the octagonal Singleframe, which is for the most part sealed and painted bright gray, move the design into the electric era. At the lower edge of LED headlights, four struts create the e-tron-specific signature in the daytime running lights. The S models’ leading role can be seen straight away. The front and rear bumpers are heavily contoured, while the diffuser insert runs almost the full width of the vehicle. The bumper is flanked by bigger and more expressive air curtains, which improve air flow. They extend below the headlights, thereby creating a dynamic appearance even from a distance. On both sides, the wheel arches are a whopping 23 mm (0.9 in)wider. Silver-colored elements – from the lip of the front bumper, the Singleframe and the door inserts right up to the diffuser – emphasize the vehicle’s features. Audi will paint larger detachable parts in a contrasting color on request.
Both S models are available, on request, with the digital Matrix LED headlights, a worldwide first in mass production. Their light is dispersed into small pixels and can be controlled with high precision, and this facilitates many new functions such as lane and orientation light. In narrow areas, for example, it shows the car’s position in the lane and thus helps the driver to remain in the center.

Progressive: the interior and equipment

The interior of the future e-tron S models has been kept in dark colors. A large arc connects the displays of the virtual external mirrors with the hood above the Audi virtual cockpit. The instrument panel is driver-oriented, the middle tunnel’s console rests on open side walls. The leather/Alcantara covers of the electrically adjustable sport seats and the gear selector lever feature a rhombus S embossing. The door sills and steering wheel feature S badges. On request, Audi can offer a super sport seat in leather with a rhombus pattern in black, rotor gray or Aras red, as well as an air-conditioned customized contour seat with perforated leather.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com