The A7 Sportback represents the new Audi design language to a great extent and delivers on the design promise made by the prologue studies. The four-door coupe sets standards in the luxury class when it comes to progressiveness. It embodies a new style of Gran Turismo, with dynamic lines, systematic digitalization, a sporty driving experience and a versatile space concept.

Consumption figures for the Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI quattro S tronic: 
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.2 – 6.8* (32.7 – 34.6 US mpg)
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 163 – 154* (262.3 – 247.8 g/mi)
*Figures depend on the wheel/tire sets used

Dynamics at their most beautiful: the exterior design
The exterior design of the A7 Sportback is an expression of the new design language that Audi introduced with the prologue study and made its production debut in the new Audi A8. With large surfaces, sharp edges and taut, athletic lines, the A7 signals dynamics and progressiveness from every perspective.

Up front, the Singleframe grille – wider and lower than that of the Audi A8 – the narrow headlights, the boldly contoured air inlets and the flat front end convey at a glance the sportiness of the Gran Turismo. The headlights are available in three versions. With the middle and top equipment lines, the light signature takes up the subject of digitalization: 12 adjacent lighting segments separated by narrow intervening spaces evoke associations with the binary digits 0 and 1. The top version is the HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light.

The Audi A7 Sportback is an athletic sculpture with a long engine hood, long wheelbase and short overhangs. Pronounced contours emphasize the wheels, which measure up to 21 inches in diameter, and reference Audi’s quattro genes. These genes determine the proportions of the vehicle’s body. The silhouette is defined by the dynamic roofline, which drops sharply toward the rear. Four figures delineate the sporty character of the large coupe: It is 4,969 millimeters (16.3 ft)long, has a wheelbase of 2,926 millimeters (9.6 ft) and is 1,908 millimeters (6.3 ft) wide, but stands only 1,422 millimeters (4.7 ft) high. 

As with the previous model, the rear end is tapered like that of a yacht. The long luggage compartment lid terminates in a pronounced, curved lip from which an integrated spoiler extends automatically at 120 km/h (74.6 mph). A flat light strip – a design feature common to all of Audi’s top models – joins the rear lights, whose tail lights are made up of 13 vertical segments. When the doors are unlocked and again when they are locked, fast-moving light animations play in the rear lights and in the headlights, highlighting the big coupe’s dynamics while standing still. The progressive exterior design of the new Audi A7 Sportback is largely devoid of chrome. The paint range offers a choice of 15 colors, eight of which are new. The optional S line exterior package further hones the look, with modifications to the radiator grille and the front air inlets, the sills and the front and rear diffusers. They are trimmed in gloss black and more strongly sculpted. 

Show car design comes to production: the interior
The interior fuses design and technology in a unique way. The interior of the new Audi A7 Sportback dazzles with its futuristic lounge atmosphere. Its reduced, clean design language is based in a one-of-a-kind balance of tension and coolness. The horizontal lines and sleek instrument panel provide for a feeling of airy spaciousness. The center console is oriented toward the driver, underscoring the Gran Turismo’s sporty character. Four key values characterize the interior concept: progressiveness, sportiness, intuitiveness and sophistication. All colors, upholstery materials and inlays underscore the new aesthetic, from the base version to the design selection, the S line sport package and the particularly sophisticated Valcona leather. The optional contour ambient lighting package traces the contours and subtly highlights the space.

The 10.1-inch upper display (in combination with MMI navigation plus) is tilted toward the driver. With its black panel optics and framed in a graphite gray aluminum clasp, it almost disappears into the dashboard when switched off. The body supporting the clasp is itself a geometric sculpture. The display’s user interface appears as soon as the car is opened. In keeping with the interior design, the look is reduced and succinct. All screen content can be quickly registered. 

Control at your fingertips: MMI touch response control system and online voice control
The new Audi A7 systematically continues the digitalization strategy of the A8. The interior architecture melds seamlessly with Audi’s new MMI touch response operating concept. It replaces the rotary pushbutton and the conventional buttons and controls of the previous model with two large, high-resolution touch displays.

The driver controls the infotainment system from the upper display. Mounted on the asymmetric console of the center tunnel, the 8.6-inch lower display provides access to the climate control system, comfort functions and text input. Drivers can rest their wrist on the automatic transmission’s wide selector lever knob. 

Audi offers an optional head-up display that projects important information onto the windshield. MMI navigation plus also includes the Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch display.

The MMI touch response operating concept features haptic and acoustic feedback and is as intuitive to use as a smartphone. Users hear and feel a click as confirmation when their finger triggers a function. With its logical and flat menu structure, the system allows fast access to the various vehicle functions, and it can also be personalized thanks to configurable and movable favorites buttons. 

The optional voice control in the new A7 Sportback makes operation even more convenient. With MMI navigation plus, the natural speech dialogue system processes questions and commands in two ways – with information stored onboard and at the same time with detailed knowledge from the cloud. 

Fully connected for more convenience and safety: infotainment and connect features
With its comprehensive connectivity, the Audi A7 is perfectly equipped for long-distance touring. It offers customers more convenience, safety and customization options. The Gran Turismo features the same infotainment and connectivity range as the Audi A8. Up to seven drivers can store their preferred settings in individual user profiles. As many as 400 parameters can be personalized. The online services from Audi connect have been expanded. Additions include the traffic sign and hazard information Car-to-X services, which utilize the swarm intelligence of the Audi fleet. 

The new A7 Sportback comes standard with the MMI radio; MMI navigation and MMI navigation plus are available as options. There is a choice of four sound systems. The top version, the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, also delivers fascinating 3D sound to the rear seats. 

Intelligent and convenient: the Audi AI systems 
With the AI button, the driver activates the Audi AI remote parking pilot and the Audi AI remote garage pilot, which will be made available at some point in 2018. They autonomously maneuver the A7 Sportback into and out of a parking space or garage. The driver can get out of the car before launching the function via the myAudi app on their smartphone. To monitor the maneuver, the driver presses and holds the Audi AI button the entire time. The central driver assistance controller (zFAS) merges the data from a sophisticated set of sensors to continually compute an image of the surroundings. Depending on the equipment level, there can be as many as five radar sensors, five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner.

Besides the Audi AI systems, the new A7 Sportback features a total of 39 driver assistance systems to make things easier for the driver. They are split up into three packages: the Audi AI parking package (gradual introduction beginning 2018), the City assist package with the new crossing assist, and the Tour assist package. The latter includes such things as the efficiency assistant, which facilitates a driving style conducive to reducing consumption, and the adaptive driving assistant (ADA), which supplements the adaptive cruise control (ACC) with helpful steering interventions to maintain the lane. All driver assistance systems feature improved control mechanisms. 

Handling and long-distance comfort: the chassis
The new A7 further extends its synthesis of sportiness and comfort. The optional dynamic-all-wheel steering, the new electronic chassis program (ECP) – the central controller for the chassis – and the updated air suspension make it even more agile, nimble and comfortable. The A7 is thus the perfect Gran Turismo: dynamic and agile on twisty country roads, yet comfortable on long highway stretches.

Many aspects of the front and rear axles have been developed from scratch. The standard progressive steering, whose generally sporty ratio becomes even more direct the further the steering wheel is turned, features a new concept for intensive road feedback. Mounted behind large wheels – up to 21 inches and 255/35 – with improved rolling comfort are aluminum fixed-caliper brakes with discs up to 400 millimeters (15.7 in) in diameter. Customers can choose between four suspension setups: a conventional steel spring suspension, the sport suspension that lowers ride height by 10 millimeters (0.4 in), electronically controlled damping and the self-leveling adaptive air suspension.

The top chassis-related innovation is dynamic-all-wheel steering. It combines direct, sporty steering response with unshakable stability, resolving the conflict of aims between agility and comfort. The steering ratio varies as a function of speed between 9.5:1 and 16.5:1 by means of active steering interventions at the front and rear axle. At the front axle, strain wave gearing is used to superimpose these in response to the driver’s steering input. At the rear axle, a spindle drive turns the wheels by as much as 5 degrees. At low speed, they steer counter to the front wheels to further increase the agility of the big coupe when parking or driving in urban traffic, for example. This reduces the turning circle at full lock by 1.1 meters (3.6 ft). At 60 km/h (37.3 mph) and above, the rear axle steers in the same direction to increase straight-line stability and facilitate lane changes.

The optional sport differential improves handing even further. It actively distributes drive torque between the rear wheels, complementing quattro all-wheel drive. Like dynamic-all-wheel steering, controlled damping and the adaptive air suspension, the sport differential is integrated into the control function of the electronic chassis platform (ECP). These systems are closely networked for maximum precision. The driver can use the Audi drive select system to activate different ride profiles featuring a more pronounced difference between comfort and sportiness than in the previous model. 

Broad-based electrification: mild hybrid system for greater comfort and efficiency
All engines used in the A7 Sportback come standard with a new mild hybrid system (MHEV) for greater comfort and efficiency. With the two V6 engines, this uses a 48-volt primary electrical system. A belt alternator starter (BAS) works together with a lithium-ion battery and achieves a recuperation performance of up to 12 kW when braking. At speeds between 55 and 160 km/h (34.2 – 99.4 mph), the four-door coupe can coast in freewheeling mode with the engine deactivated and then restarted comfortably via the BAS.

The start-stop function has been significantly expanded and now activates at 22 km/h (13.7 mph). In combination with the standard front camera, the engine is restarted predictively while at a standstill as soon as vehicle ahead begins to move. In real-world driving, the MHEV technology reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.7 liters per 100 kilometers. 

The new Audi A7 Sportback will initially launch with the 3.0 V6 TFSI. The sonorously understated V6 turbo produces 250 kW (340 hp) and 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft). The four-door coupe sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph). In the NEDC, the base version of the Audi A7 55 TFSI consumes 6.8 liters of fuel (34.6 US mpg), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 154 grams (247.8 g/mi). The 3.0 TFSI is paired with a seven-speed S tronic. Its quattro drivetrain uses the efficient ultra technology that activates rear-wheel drive as needed. Additional six- and four-cylinder engines, both gasoline and diesel, will follow shortly after the start of production.

The body concept: Coupé, Sedan and Avant in one
The A7 Sportback combines the best of all worlds and is a dynamic all-around talent for business and recreation. It offers the design of a Coupé, the spaciousness of a Sedan and the variability of an Avant. The interior concept of the A7 Sportback impresses with more space and more comfortable seating – and that despite having a dynamic roofline. Compared with the previous model, interior length has increased 21 millimeters (0.8 in), resulting in more rear knee room. Rear passengers also enjoy more head room. The loading width has also increased compared with the previous model and now measures 1,050 millimeters (3.4 ft).

Topping the range of all-new seats are the multi-adjustable, customized contour front seats with ventilation and massage. The configuration with individual rear seats (alternative: 2+1 bench) offers a plenty of space and comfort. New high-tech options make life with the Audi A7 Sportback even more comfortable and convenient. The air quality package improves interior air quality by means of fragrancing with subtle scents, an ionizer and an effective combination filter. 

The body, which features steel and aluminum composite construction with large components such as add-on parts made of aluminum, is a key factor in the improved handling and greater comfort. The four-door coupe scores top marks with respect to body stiffness, aeroacoustics and aerodynamics. The Gran Turismo spoils its passengers with improved acoustic comfort and – thanks to sophisticated aerodynamics – minimal wind noise. 

The improved panoramic glass sunroof with particularly large glass elements lets more light into the cabin. The heated windshield and wipers with integrated nozzles are additional options for more convenience. 

Despite the markedly dynamic lines, the luggage compartment has a base capacity of 535 liters (18.9 cu ft). This increases to 1,390 liters (49.1 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down. The luggage compartment has been optimized so that two golf bags now fit horizontally – in addition to the optional spare tire. The optional sensor-controlled rear hatch opens and closes automatically in response to a foot motion. 

The new Audi A7 Sportback rolls off the assembly line at the Neckarsulm site and will launch on the German market in late February 2018. The base price for the 55 TFSI quattro S tronic is 67,800 euros. 

 

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Ready to take the lead?

It takes courage to challenge the ordinary. We’re looking for a group of exceptional Graduates who’ve got the confidence, ambition and ability to become future leaders of the Volkswagen Group UK.

Who are we?

One group. Five brands. Unlimited possibilities.

We’re driven by difference. With five globally recognised brands under one roof – Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT, ŠKODA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles – each with its own history, designs and inventions – we’ve created some of the world’s most iconic vehicles, from luxury sports cars to family camper vans. Here, you’ll discover opportunities, explore ideas and tackle challenges that you won’t find anywhere else.

What does the programme look like?

This structured two-year programme will give you the experience, training and knowledge you need to become an industry expert. From digital marketing to planning and analysis, the placements you’ll work on are as rigorous as they are varied. You’ll be given projects with business-critical impact from the outset, and we’ll encourage you to suggest your own initiatives. When you complete the programme, you’ll have worked with five brands, built unparalleled industry knowledge and gained experience in roles you may never previously have considered. You’ll know how a fast-paced, commercial business works – but you’ll also know how to influence it. Whatever you want to do next, you’ll be guaranteed a permanent role with us when you finish.

What’s in it for you?

As a Graduate, you’ll start on a £30,000 salary and get a new car worth approximately £25,000 every four months (as long as you have a full, clean UK driving licence). You’ll also receive 27 days’ holiday – plus bank holidays – a discretionary bonus, an award-winning pension scheme, a range of flexible benefits, employee well-being support, an on-site restaurant and shopping discounts.

What do you need?

We’re all driven by different things. What matters is that you’re just that: driven. We’re looking for people with the energy and determination to pursue a successful, long-term career, and who seek out opportunities to learn, develop and take responsibility. If you share that desire, you’re the kind of person we want to work with.

You’ll need to be working towards at least a 2.1 degree (of any discipline). As well as your qualifications, we look for relevant work experience, ambition and a determination to succeed. You’ll also need to have the right to work in the UK.

Got your attention?

Visit www.vwggraduates.co.uk/graduates to find out more and apply for the 2018 scheme.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

The S tronic combines the sporty characteristics of a manual gearbox with the advantages of an automatic.

Gear-changes with the dual-clutch gearbox are performed easily and with no appreciable delay. Depending on the driver’s preference, the gears may be shifted in fully automatic mode or in manual mode using the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.

The dual clutch forms the technical basis of the S tronic. One of the two clutches engages the odd-numbered gears and reverse, the other engages the even-numbered gears. The benefit: a gearbox that shifts from one gear to the next in less than 0.2 seconds and with no interruption in power flow.

When in operation, one gear is always engaged and another is pre-selected: while the first clutch is transmitting power in one gear, the second clutch has the next gear selected and ready to engage. When the gearshift point is reached, one clutch segment opens in a flash while the other closes.

The driver therefore hardly notices the gearshift process. The consistently efficient power transmission ideally supports a sporty driving style – both in automatic mode and with manual shifting: Other advantages of S tronic: the gearbox’s high efficiency leads to low fuel consumption and reduced emissions.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

  • Audi impresses in Formula E test at Valencia
  • Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler with most laps of all teams
  • Positive test assessment by Audi drivers Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi

The new Audi e-tron FE04 has left a strong impression at the official pre-season testing of the Formula E electric racing series at Valencia (Spain). Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler from Monday to Thursday completed the largest number of test kilometres of all ten teams. The lap times of the first all-electric Audi race car were promising as well.

New Audi factory driver Daniel Abt (Germany) and title defender Lucas di Grassi (Brazil) reeled off an extensive test program with the four race cars of Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler in high summer temperatures of up to 30 degrees centigrade in the shade. The program was focused on race simulations and optimisation of the energy management of the new motor-generator unit (MGU) which now only has one forward gear.

In spite of the heat, the four Audi e-tron FE04 ran with complete reliability on all three days, so enabling Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi to reel off a total of 474 laps on the three-kilometre Circuit Ricardo Tomo near Valencia, which equates to a distance of 1,466 kilometres – equalling the race distance of a whole Formula E season. The two Audi drivers were regularly part of the top group, although the absolute best times are only of limited significance: testing was only permitted with the full qualifying power of 200 kW twice per day and per car. In addition, the track configuration was modified by a second chicane on the start-finish straight during the test.

“Daniel and Lucas felt comfortable in the car right from the beginning and confirmed to me that we’ve done good development work and made a big step forwards with the new powertrain,” said Team Principal Allan McNish, assessing the tests. “Even though we’re only going to see where we really stand at the season opener in Hong Kong and still have a lot of work to do until then, we can be very happy with the test in Valencia. The Audi e-tron FE04 is reliable and fast. Now we need to continue to optimise energy management and the software on the test bench and in the simulator.”

“It’s been a positive test,” reigning Formula E Champion Lucas di Grassi agreed. “I believe that our new car is very competitive. Audi, ABT and Schaeffler have done a good job. We made optimal use of the three test days in order to put ourselves in a good position for the season opener in Hong Kong. The top times were very close together. I’m expecting a thrilling season.”

“The test at Valencia went smoothly,” said Daniel Abt. “There was a lot to learn with the new software and other things. We made good progress on these three days, especially on the last day. The car is running superbly and is fast. I can hardly wait to tackle my first two races as an Audi factory driver in Hong Kong.” From now on until the season opens in Hong Kong on December 2 and 3 testing is prohibited in Formula E. The four Audi e-tron FE04 cars will be completely dismantled and reassembled once more at the team’s base in Kempten. In mid-November, they will be flown from England to Hong Kong.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

New Carbon Edition versions of latest Audi Sport stars now available as even more attractive and highly specified alternatives to ‘standard’ cars

  • New Carbon Edition versions of RS 4 Avant and RS 5 Coupé available to order from today priced at £71,625 OTR and £75,400 OTR respectively (premiums of £10,000 and £12,500 over standard cars)
  • Additions include extensive CFRP detailing, including full roof on RS 5, 20-inch milled alloy wheels, privacy glass, RS sport exhaust, RS matrix LED headlamps
  • New 2.9 TFSI with 450PS and 600Nm of torque delivers 0-62mph in as little as 3.9 seconds (RS 4 Avant 4.1 seconds), 155mph top speed which can be increased to 174mph
  • Standard specification includes quattro drive with rear sport differential, Audi Virtual Cockpit with RS-specific displays, MMI Navigation Plus, Audi connect infotainment services
  • RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control, and dynamic steering also available
  • State-of-the-art driver assistance, safety and connectivity systems

New Carbon Edition versions of the recently reintroduced Audi RS 4 Avant and RS 5 Coupé are about to turn up the desirability dial for devotees of the latest 450PS Audi Sport stars. The new special editions, which will not be production limited, add motorsport-inspired Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) detailing, including a fully exposed CFRP roof in RS 5 versions, as part of a wider package of upgrades that further enhance the appeal of these hallmark models. Both Carbon Edition variants become available today, the RS 4 priced at £71,625 OTR and the RS 5 at £75,400 OTR. The first RS 5 Carbon Edition models will arrive in the UK in December, followed by their RS 4 counterparts in March 2018.

Beyond the striking, exposed CFRP roof which is reserved exclusively for the RS 5, both new editions incorporate a Carbon Matt Aluminium Styling Pack adding a CFRP finish for the front spoiler (and the rear in RS 5), sill extensions, a diffuser insert and interior inlays along with CFRP door mirror housings.

A matt aluminium finish for the radiator grille with its integral matt titanium quattro logo, for the window surrounds and for the front horizontal under-grille bar complement the carbon detailing, as do privacy glass and larger 20-inch ‘5-arm peak’ design alloy wheels in anthracite matt black, which replace the standard 19-inch design. The surfacing and the milled slots in the sides of the spokes in these very special aluminium wheels can only be achieved through the use of a very intensive milling process that has until now been reserved only for models in the super sports category or those designed purely for competition use. Red brake callipers – another feature of the Carbon Edition upgrade – are visible through the front wheels.

Milled wheels shave off 8kg

One significant benefit of the advanced one-piece milled wheel design in the Carbon Edition models is a weight saving of 2kg per wheel versus standard forged equivalents. In the RS 5 Carbon Edition the 8kg overall saving is also supplemented by an additional 3kg reduction achieved by incorporating the carbon roof. These parings contribute to weight loss of up to 80kg and 60kg respectively in the latest RS 4 and RS 5 models versus their predecessors.

Under the sculpted bonnet of both Carbon Edition models a CFRP engine cover embellishes the six cylinder heads of the formidable new 2.9-litre biturbo TFSI with its 450PS output and mighty 600Nm torque peak – a substantial 170Nm more than its V8-powered predecessor. In these special models the new engine breathes through an upgraded RS sport exhaust system which amplifies its soundtrack and is controllable via the standard Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system.

To enable the driver to capitalise on the phenomenal performance as fully as possible, the Carbon Edition models also feature an upgrade to RS matrix LED headlamps capable of automatically dipping or deactivating individual lighting diodes to create corridors of light around leading or oncoming vehicles or objects, helping to increase visibility without dazzling. The RS matrix LED units also include dynamic front indicators to complement the standard dynamic rear installations.

In both versions the huge power reserves of the biturbo TFSI are unlocked by an eight-speed tiptronic transmission with optimised shift times, and supported by the reworked five-link front and all-new five-link rear RS-specific suspension they contribute to an innately responsive, precisely controlled and highly rewarding driving experience. In common with all RS models the new Avant and Coupe headliners are affixed to the road by quattro permanent all-wheel drive, and like their ‘standard’ UK specification RS 4 and RS 5 counterparts are also factory fitted with the quattro sport differential which actively distributes torque between the rear wheels to promote even greater handling adjustability.

For the most committed drivers Audi Sport also offers optional RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), ceramic brakes and dynamic steering with RS-specific tuning.

Inside, CFRP inlays continue the theme, and the deeply contoured Fine Nappa leather-upholstered RS super sport seats in black with contrast honeycomb stitching in Crescendo Red look and feel ready for whatever challenges the road presents to their occupants. The RS-specific, fully digital Audi Virtual Cockpit is a standard feature of all UK RS 4 and RS 5 models, and in tandem with the 8.3-inch high resolution screen in the centre of the dashboard displays richly detailed navigation mapping, audio listings and web-based information courtesy of the standard MMI Navigation Plus and Audi Connect Infotainment module. The embedded Audi Connect SIM includes a data package offering flat-rate, ultra-fast LTE internet connectivity in the UK and Europe-wide free of charge for three years. Smartphone-based content can also be displayed on the central monitor via the standard Audi Smartphone Interface.

Highlights from the extensive list of safety-focused features of all RS 4 and RS 5 variants include multi-collision brake assist and the Audi Side Assist blindspot warning system. Customers can enhance protection even further by choosing cost-effective option bundles including the Driver Assistance Pack – Tour and Parking Assistance Pack Advanced offering features such as Active Lane Assist, Cross Traffic Assist Rear and Turn Assist to de-stress virtually every aspect of a drive, from reversing out of a space on to a busy road to negotiating a difficult junction.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

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  1. Return of the RS icon: the new Audi RS 4 Avant
  2. The Audi supercar in its purest form: the new R8 V10 RWS
  3. Audi at the IAA 2017: autonomous driving in three steps
  4. A real character – the Audi Q2

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