Fuel cell-based e-quattro concept with zero global emissions capability marks another Audi milestone along the path towards future mobility

• Fuel cell drive with additional lithium-ion battery for boosting and recuperation
• Range of up to 372 miles (600km) on one tank of fuel, consumption around one kilogram of hydrogen per 62 miles (100km)
• Refuelling takes approximately four minutes
• Up to 110 kW (can be temporarily boosted by a 100 kW battery), 550 Nm of system torque, 0-62 mph in under seven seconds, 124 mph top speed
• Electrified quattro layout with one electric motor front and rear
• World’s largest in-car solar roof, up to 320 watts output or additional range of up to 620 miles (1,000km) per year

Ingolstadt/Detroit, January 11, 2016 – The next step towards the long-term Audi goal of CO2-neutral mobility is being presented at this year’s NAIAS in Detroit in the form of the Audi h-tron quattro concept car – a striking SUV that uses a highly efficient fuel cell with an output of up to 110 kW, and a further on-demand power boost of 100 kW courtesy of a lightweight lithium-ion battery. The car can be fully refuelled with hydrogen in around four minutes, and is then ready to drive for up to 372 miles (600 km).

Whether with purely battery-powered drive, plug in hybrid, combustion engine or fuel cell – Audi has a command of all alternative drive technologies and offers tailor made solutions for its customers worldwide.

In another major step, Audi will go into production with its new technologies for piloted driving and parking in 2017 along with the next generation of the luxury A8 saloon. The technology study already provides a glimpse of things to come. The Audi h tron quattro concept is closely related to the Audi e tron quattro concept, a purely electric SUV first showcased by the brand with the four rings at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Both are based on the second-generation modular longitudinal platform (MLB evo). This concept is especially flexible. For example, both cars use a virtually identical floor assembly despite their different technology. The Audi h tron quattro concept presents the fifth generation of fuel cell technology from Audi and Volkswagen. Lighter materials reduce the weight and improve performance, responsiveness, service life and efficiency. With an efficiency rating in excess of 60 percent, the fuel cell now surpasses any combustion engine. The “stack” comprising 330 individual cells is housed in the forward structure.

The three hydrogen tanks are located beneath the passenger or luggage compartment but do not impinge on the interior. At a pressure of 700 bar, they store enough hydrogen for a range of up to 372 miles (600 km).

Every tank is made up of several layers – the inner tank from gas-tight polyamide is wrapped in carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP). Like a car with a combustion engine, refueling takes about four minutes.

Powerful booster: battery supplies up to 100 kW of power

Ideally complementing the fuel cell that develops up to 110 kW, there is a compact lithium-ion battery designed for optimum power output. The battery, weighing less than 60 kilograms, is located beneath the passenger compartment to optimise the centre of gravity. It supplies up to 100 kW of power, ample for a temporary, forceful burst when accelerating. When the car is braked it stores the recovered energy. With 550 Nm (405.7 lb ft) of system torque, the Audi h tron quattro accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in less than seven seconds; its top speed is governed at 124 mph.

The power from the fuel cell and the high-voltage battery drives two electric motors – one located on the front axle and with an output of 90 kW, the other on the rear axle and developing 140 kW. This concept makes the technology study an electrified quattro. An intelligent management system controls the interplay between them as appropriate for the situation, placing maximum emphasis on efficiency. A heat pump for the interior air conditioning and a large solar roof that generates up to 320 watts, equivalent to adding up to 620 miles (1,000 km) to the range annually, also boost efficiency.

Zero global emissions with renewably produced hydrogen from the Audi e gas facility in Werlte, Germany

According to the New European Driving Cycle its fuel consumption is around one kilogram of hydrogen per 100 kilometres (62.1 miles). The Audi h tron quattro concept achieves not merely zero local emissions, but zero global emissions if the hydrogen it runs on has been produced with green power. The brand with the four rings realises this at the Audi e gas facility in North Germany.

Since 2013 the world’s first power-to-gas plant has been using electricity generated by wind power to break water down into oxygen and hydrogen by electrolysis. In a further process, this gas reacts with CO2 to produce Audi e gas, or synthetic methane, for the Audi A3 g tron and the A4 g tron with CNG drive.

Many customers are already using the e gas fuel card to buy Audi e gas via the existing natural gas network at conventional CNG filling stations, enabling them to drive almost CO2-neutrally. But in future it will be possible to tap into this hydrogen source so that fuel cell cars can run on this climate-friendly fuel.

Elegant and streamlined: the exterior

The exterior design of the five-door technology study blends aesthetic appeal with aerodynamics. The Audi h tron quattro concept is 4.88 metres long and 1.93 metres wide but just 1.54 metres high. Its silhouette has an extremely flat greenhouse that tapers strongly toward the rear lends it the dynamic character of a coupé. The flowing shoulder line forms distinctive blister contours above the wheels in an expression of the electrified quattro drive. Wide wheel panels and angular side sills underscore the robust character of the car.

The Cd value of 0.27 makes a major contribution to maximising range and efficiency. Aerodynamic elements down the flanks, on the underbody and at the rear improve the way air flows around the car at higher speeds. Cameras take the place of exterior mirrors, further enhancing aerodynamics and efficiency.

The headlights of the technology study are divided into two sections. The upper section generates the light using the new, extremely high-resolution Matrix laser technology. The lower section, which corresponds to the slats in the Singleframe grille, forms the lighting signature.

In addition to the white daytime running lights signature, flat OLED (organic light emitting diode) elements radiate a homogeneous blue light to the sides and upwards. Beneath the lights there are two large air intake slots.

The sills incorporate a light strip in Matrix LED technology which again emits white light when the driver approaches the technology study with the remote control key. When the car is driving in piloted mode, this is signalled by blue horizontal lines lit up down its sides. Mirroring the front configuration, the rear lights likewise consist of two elements. Each of the upper zones features nine red OLED units that handle the tail light function, with three more below.

Fusion of architecture and operating concept: the interior

The package of the Audi h tron quattro concept enables a spacious, comfortable interior for four persons and 500 litres of luggage. Intelligent software provides assistance when loading up: two small sensors scan the items of luggage and display the optimum loading order on a monitor mounted on the rear cutout.

The interior of the Audi h tron quattro concept has a light and open feel to it; its architecture merges harmoniously with the operating and display concept. The three large displays in front of the driver are designed using OLED technology – their wafer-thin films can take on virtually any shape. There are also two touch displays in addition to the central Audi virtual cockpit curved OLED. The driver controls the lights and the systems for piloted driving with the left one. The large display on the right is for managing media and navigation, and also displays the drive system’s operating statuses. The steering wheel serves as a further control level. Its spokes are equipped with contoured touch surfaces.

The selector lever for the driving mode is mounted on the console of the centre tunnel. In front of it, there are two further OLED displays – for the drive status, the air conditioning and for freely programmable information functions. The front one offers gesture controls. The curved displays in the front section of the doors serve as digital exterior mirrors.

The two rear passengers sit on comfortable individual seats. They can share data with the driver via the Audi tablets, which again have OLED displays. The tablets are designed as a mobile Rear Seat Entertainment system.

Nerve centre for piloted driving: the zFAS

The Audi h tron quattro concept comes equipped with all the technologies that the brand has developed for piloted driving – radar sensors, a new kind of video camera, ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner.

The driver assistance systems are now usually managed by spatially separate control units. In future, Audi will be implementing this function in a central domain architecture: All available sensor information is processed by a central driver assistance system (zFAS). It computes a complete model of the car’s surroundings in real time and makes this information available to the assistance systems and the piloted driving systems. They can assume driving tasks during parking or in stop and go traffic on motorways at speeds of up to 37 mph.

Audi has been performing pioneering work in this domain for many years and in 2017 will be taking this technology into production for the first time ever with the next generation of its Audi A8 Saloon.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

Fifth record year in succession as Audi UK sales reach another unprecedented peak

• Record deliveries to customers up 5% on full year 2014
• 43 separate model lines offered in 2015 by the German Premium brand

Milton Keynes, January 7, 2016 - UK Audi sales have reached a new record high of 166,709 cars for the full year 2015 on the back of consistent year-on-year increases since 2011. Up by five per cent (from 158,987) on 2014, this total exceeds the brand’s sales objective while also adhering to its long-term strategic goal of delivering profitable and sustainable growth.

The new record has been set despite punctuation of the year by the replacement of the top-selling A4 with an all-new model, and was not achieved at the expense of premium brand best practice. It secures premium sector leadership in the retail and true fleet channels for the Four Rings marque.

“Our plan was to achieve a sustainable new car sales benchmark which wasn’t overly dependent upon a single model line and didn’t overheat any particular sales channel,” commented Audi UK Director Andre Konsbruck.

“Our approach to growth is primarily based on quality of sales and on a well-balanced spread of demand across our 43-strong UK model line-up,” he added. “The benefits of this strategy include stronger residual values and consistent quarterly increases year-on-year bolstered by record sales of quattro-equipped and Audi Sport models. This is despite the fact that production of the existing RS 4 and RS 5 has endd and the TT range is currently without an RS flagship.”

Audi has increased its UK sales annually since 2011 when it recorded 113,797 customer deliveries. In 2012 this rose to 123,622 and in 2013 a further rise to 142,040 was achieved. Last year 158,987 Audi cars found UK owners. Over the past four years the Audi UK market share at full year has grown from 5.9 per cent in 2011 to the current 6.3 per cent for the full year 2015.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

Second generation of the adventure-seeking Avant takes to the stage at the NAIAS 2016

• 34mm more ground clearance and an offroad mode in Audi drive select
• Extroverted, individual design and extensive equipment
• Powerful TFSI and TDI engines with quattro all-wheel drive as standard
• Up to 90kg lighter than the previous model
• Adaptive suspension with damper control optionally available
• Eight speed tiptronic available for the first time in the A4 allroad quattro

Ingolstadt/Detroit, January 11, 2016 – The Audi A4 will take the smooth with a little more of the rough at this month‘s Detroit Motor Show as it adopts the tougher stance of the A4 allroad quattro. The all-new Avant version already famed for its limousine-like bearing and boundary-stretching technology is repurposed as an exceptional all-terrain machine with the help of allroad hallmarks such as flared arches, an increased ride height and of course quattro all-wheel-drive in its latest and most sophisticated ever form.

The highly successful “allroad” variant first appeared in the A4 model range in 2009, and this latest evolution further refines the concept courtesy of the all-new A4’s advanced TDI and TFSI engines, intelligent multi-material construction bringing weight savings of up to 90kg, more intelligent and reactive quattro drive and a portfolio of assistance systems that are some of the most advanced in the current Audi range.

Defining its individual look, the powerfully flared wheel arches and the rear bumper attract attention. They are finished in matt structure grey or painted in the body colour. The robust underbody guard and the rear diffuser are finished in selenite silver. The distinctive front end with jagged headlights, unique bumper and model-specific air intakes underscores its extroverted character. Vertical chrome slats adorn the sculpted Singleframe grille, while allroad badges decorate the front wings and the tailgate. The higher roof rails round out the typical allroad look.

Standard xenon, optional Matrix LED

The headlights create unmistakable lighting graphics. A light guide forming two acute angles provides for the daytime running lights and – at the upper edge of the housing – the turn signals. Xenon units are standard. Audi also offers LED headlights with dynamic rear turn signals and Matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signals front and rear. The top version features traffic sign glare reduction, giving the driver an optimal view of road signs at all times.

At 4,750 mm long and 1,842 mm wide, the new Audi A4 allroad quattro resembles its technical foundation, the A4 Avant. It measures 1,493 mm in height, while the wheelbase measures 2,818 mm.

Despite the larger dimensions, the new Audi A4 allroad quattro has a kerb weight that is up to 90 kilograms less than that of the previous model. With the 2.0 TFSI engine, it tips the scales (without driver) at just 1,580 kilograms. Geometric lightweight construction and an intelligent mix of materials have trimmed 15 kilograms from the body.

Thanks to a sophisticated insulation concept and a wide variety of aerodynamic solutions, the A4 allroad quattro features luxury-class acoustic comfort. At its aerodynamic rear end it sports a low-drawn roof edge spoiler with side fins. Depending on the engine, the exhaust system is either a single- or dual-branch system and terminates either in a twin exhaust tailpipe (TDI) or two separate tailpipes (TFSI).

The luggage compartment of the new A4 allroad quattro offers 505 litres of storage space in the standard configuration. Total capacity with the rear seats folded down and loaded to the roof is 1,510 litres. An optional rail and load-securing kit makes it easier to transport individual objects. The power luggage compartment cover and the electric drive for the tailgate are standard. With the optional sensor control, the driver can open and close the lid via a foot gesture.

The optional trailer hitch unlocks electronically at the push of a button. The new Audi A4 allroad quattro is certified for towed loads of up to 2,100 kilograms (with an eight percent gradient).

Engines

The strong-pulling TFSI and TDI engines in the new Audi A4 allroad quattro offer improved performance with better efficiency. The TFSI and TDI units produce between 150 PS and 272 PS, which is up to 27 PS more than in the previous model. At the same time, the engineers have reduced CO2 emissions by up to 21 grams per kilometre (2.0 TDI 190 PS). All engines satisfy the limits of the Euro 6 emissions standard.

The standard, updated start-stop system 2.0 offers changes that further reduce fuel consumption. When the driver approaches a red light, it can already deactivate the engine at speeds below 4 mph (3.0 TDI with tiptronic: 2 mph).

The newly developed 2.0 TFSI produces 252 PS and delivers 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. In combination with the seven-speed S tronic, the new Audi A4 allroad quattro sprints from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 152 mph. NEDC fuel consumption is 44.1 mpg combined, corresponding to 147 grams CO2 per km.

Audi is offering the 1,968 cc 2.0 TDI with 190 PS and 400 Nm between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. With the seven-speed S tronic, the new A4 allroad quattro returns up to 57.7 mpg combined, corresponding to 128 grams CO2 per km. From a standing start, 62 mph takes just 7.8 seconds. Top speed is 136 mph.

The A4 allroad family will grow further following the market launch. One addition will be the 2.0 TDI with an output of 150 PS and maximum torque of 320 Nm (236.0 lb-ft).

Audi also offers the 3.0 TDI in two variants with different outputs, either 218 PS or 272 PS. The two six-cylinder TDI units with a displacement of 2,967 cc are special engines combining supreme power with refined smoothness and efficiency. The first variant of the 3.0 TDI produces 218 PS. Its 400 Nm (295.0 lb ft) of torque is available between 1,250 and 3,750 rpm.

The top version of the 3.0 TDI delivers 272 PS and 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft), the latter between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. It accelerates the new A4 allroad quattro to the standard sprint speed in just 5.5 seconds, with a governed top figure of 155 mph. NEDC fuel consumption is just 53.3 mpg combined, corresponding to 139 grams CO2 per km.

Drivetrain

Naturally, quattro all-wheel drive is standard on all models. Depending on the engine, there is a choice of the manual six-speed transmission, the seven-speed S tronic and the eight-speed tiptronic.

Audi offers the manual transmission and the new S tronic for the 2.0 TDI. The dual-clutch transmission is standard with the 2.0 TFSI and the 3.0 TDI with 218 PS. The most important improvements are further reductions in friction, the low weight, a highly efficient oil supply and dual-mass flywheel with a centrifugal force pendulum, which allows for very low idle speeds. Gear changes are performed within a few hundredths of a second and with virtually no interruption in the power flow by changing the clutches. Power flows from the drive shaft to the front-axle differential via a spur gear stage.

This also marks the first time that the eight-speed tiptronic is available in the A4 allroad quattro. It is reserved for the 3.0 TDI with 272 PS. The soft, quick and spontaneously shifting torque-converter transmission has been completely redeveloped. Its high number of gears enables the engine to operate close to the ideal load point very often.

Both automatic transmissions are state-of-the-art and feature a wide gear spread. Their lower gears feature short, dynamic ratios, while the upper gears are long to reduce revs and fuel consumption. Drivers can choose between the modes D, S and E, and change gears manually at any time using either the selector lever or the standard shift paddles on the steering wheel.

quattro all-wheel drive from Audi represents the ultimate advantage in dynamics, traction, driving safety and straight-line stability. It is purely mechanical and thus operates with zero delay. quattro drive is partnered with the updated wheel-selective torque control system, which is active on any surface.

Chassis

Ride height, which has been increased by 23 mm, and larger wheels compared with the Audi A4 Avant provide an additional 34 mm of ground clearance. The new Audi A4 allroad quattro is thus equally at home on the road or in light terrain.

Ride height, which has been increased by 23 mm, and larger wheels compared with the Audi A4 Avant provide an additional As an alternative to the standard suspension, the A4 allroad quattro is available for the first time with optional suspension with damper control. Sensors measure the movements of all four wheels plus lateral and longitudinal acceleration. The damper characteristic adapts accordingly to the surface conditions and the driving situation. The results are enhanced handling with even greater comfort and impressive off-road capability. Furthermore, the driver can push a button to choose the default setting of the suspension in Audi drive select and call up the desired handling characteristics at any time.

The new Audi A4 allroad quattro features a new version of Audi drive select with an expanded range of functions. In addition to the familiar comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual modes, offroad mode is available for when the driver leaves paved roads behind. It optimally adjusts the engine and transmission control, the steering, the optional adaptive suspension and all relevant driver and assistance systems to operation in light terrain.

An updated five-link suspension is used on the front axle. It offers optimal comfort combined with a high degree of agility. The developers reduced its weight by five kilograms compared with the previous version.

Audi has also turned to a new, compact design for the electromechanical power steering that shaves 3.5 kilograms from the weight of the previous model. It provides the driver with more direct feedback about the road conditions and offers improved steering precision. Dynamic steering with a variable steering ratio is available as an option.

In the back, a five-link construction replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used previously. Audi used an intelligent mix of materials to reduce the weight of the axle components by an additional seven kilograms.

The new Audi A4 allroad quattro comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design. Audi and quattro GmbH offer optional variants in sizes from 17 to 19 inches. A space-saving spare wheel and tyre pressure indicator are standard.

The internally ventilated brake discs on the front axle measure up to 338 mm in diameter. The electromechanical parking brake is integrated into the rear axle. The Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) follows specific characteristics in the Audi drive select modes dynamic and offroad.

Interior and equipment

The new Audi A4 allroad quattro is generously spacious. The interior design features a clear architecture with a consistent focus on horizontal lines. This principle is best illustrated by the low instrument panel and continuous air vent strip. Deluxe automatic air conditioning featuring capacitive controls and high-resolution displays are fitted as standard and underscore the interior’s overall premium impression. Audi offers an optional interior lighting package with ambient lighting in 30 different shades. The comprehensive range of colours and high-grade materials for the seats and inlays corresponds to that of the A4 model range.

The focal points of the innovative cockpit are the new MMI operating concept with rotary pushbutton including MMI touch, the large MMI display of up to 8.3 inches and the optional all-digital, 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit. The new voice control system can recognize input made using everyday language, such as: “I want to call Peter Miller.” A head-up display adds to the list of options.

Audi connect brings tailored online services to the car via the fast LTE standard. Services include online roadside assistance, smartphone calendar integration, remote control functions and status reports via smartphone, plus apps for streaming media. The Audi phone box connects cell phones to the on-board antenna and charges them inductively according to the Qi standard. The new Audi smartphone interface integrates iOS and Android devices. For discerning hi-fi fans, the Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System is available, tapping into the spatial dimension of height. The Audi tablet also functions as flexible Rear Seat Entertainment.

All driver assistance and safety systems for the A4 model series are available for the new A4 allroad quattro. One of the highlights is adaptive cruise control Stop&Go including traffic jam assist. At speeds of up to 40 mph, it takes over acceleration and braking and helps with steering. The driver receives additional support from the trailer maneuver assist, which is available on the A4 allroad for the first time. This makes it easier to maneuver a trailer. The driver steers via the MMI controller. Other new features include the predictive efficiency assistant, park assist, cross-traffic assist rear, exit warning, collision avoidance assist, turn assist and the Audi pre sense systems.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

• Interior model with new operating and display concept
• Audi e-tron quattro concept study with full-electric drive
• Evolution of the Audi connect portfolio to include Car-to-X communication and remote vehicle services
• Livestream and subsequent download of the Audi Press Conference at CES on Wednesday, January 6 at 7pm GMT available on www.audimedia.tv and Audi Media Center

Ingolstadt/Las Vegas, January 6, 2016 – At the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Audi is presenting its latest technologies in the form of attractive solutions for today and visionary ideas for tomorrow. The world’s most important electronics show takes place January 6–9, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada (USA) and the focus for the brand with the four rings is on the three future automotive trends of electrification, digitalisation and piloted driving.

The Audi e-tron quattro concept combines all of these innovations which build upon technologies that are used in its production cars today. Visitors will be able to experience the new control and display concept that has been implemented in an interior mock-up of the Audi e-tron quattro concept. Advanced development of Audi connect as well as new developments in lighting technology will be also be showcased.

New approaches: controls and displays

User-friendly operation is an Audi strength, and now the brand with the four rings is expanding its operating and display concept (HMI, human-machine interface) with new solutions. The concept is being presented in an interior mock-up of the Audi e-tron quattro concept car. The curved OLED (OLED: Organic Light Emitting Diodes) of the new Audi virtual cockpit lies in the driver’s immediate visual field.

The AMOLED (AMOLED: Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diodes) technology that is used offers new creative freedoms in designing display shapes. The two displays of the Audi MMI on the centre console offer an outlook on the digital future. Key functions can also be controlled conveniently by voice. Both displays exploit the advantages of a new type of touch recognition – what is known as Audi MMI touch response. Here, the selected functions are activated by gentle yet defined pressure on the display. This makes it possible to operate the system safely and with few distractions while driving.

Behind the new operating and display concept is the latest extension stage of the Audi Modular Infotainment Platform, MIB2+. Its further boosted computing power makes it possible to drive several high-resolution displays.

MIB2+ has been prepared for the latest mobile communications standard: LTE Advanced. It can download data into the car at a maximum speed of 300 Mbit/s. LTE Advanced also enables mobile telephony using the VoLTE (VoLTE = Voice over LTE) method, which shortens the time needed to make a phone connection and increases voice quality. Voice control has also become more powerful – it utilises both the on-board address book and a server in the cloud.

The control and display concepts from Audi are already visionary today. The Audi virtual cockpit – a fully digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch TFT display – provides all information in intricately calculated and brilliant 3D graphics, in which drivers can choose between different views. The latest Audi models have MMI terminals on board that follow a new operating logic. This resembles the concept that is familiar from modern smartphones – flat hierarchies instead of complex menu trees. Voice control is available as an alternative.

Audi connect

The term Audi connect covers all applications and developments that network an Audi with its owner, the Internet, infrastructure and other vehicles. Audi continues to extend its lead in this technology field. An LTE/UMTS module of Audi connect connects to the Internet with download speeds of up to 100 MBit/s.

The integrated Wi-Fi hotspot lets passengers freely surf the web, stream and text/e-mail with up to eight mobile devices. Customised services from the Audi connect portfolio are delivered to the car for the driver. They include traffic information online, Google Earth and Google Street View, parking information, fuel prices and flight, train and gate information. The Audi connect lineup is rounded out by City Events, individually configurable news, travel and weather information and other services.

Audi will also be offering additional new services in Europe, and soon in the USA. They include emergency call that alerts the Audi Emergency Call Centre after an accident, online roadside assistance that calls the Audi Service Centre and Audi service request with which customers can schedule a service appointment.

The free Audi MMI connect app brings more services into the car such as Online Media Streaming, which offers access to the services of the subscription music portals Napster and Rhapsody and the Aupeo! radio service. For owners of the new A4 and Q7 models, the Audi MMI connect app also offers remote vehicle services. From a smartphone, they can lock or unlock the doors or view the latest car status report. They can also have the parking location and parking time displayed. Other functions have been added for the Audi e tron models – remote control of battery charging and climate control and access to driving data. The app’s remote functions can also be activated by a smartwatch, and effective at the beginning of 2016 by a fourth-generation Apple TV.

In just a few months, the Audi connect SIM will be available for the new A4 and Q7 models in European markets. It is a permanently installed embedded SIM (e-SIM) that automatically brings Audi connect services into the car across Europe and does not require that the driver perform an activation procedure.

It permits EU-wide roaming, because the SIM card can be automatically set to specific country providers as necessary. This eliminates country-specific roaming fees and annoying roaming confirmations.

Regardless of which connect services are integrated, Audi owners can choose additional data packages for the Audi connect SIM at economical rates to operate the Wi-Fi hotspot. Here too, the data transfer automatically continues at the fixed price when crossing a border, i.e. when switching providers.

In 2016, Audi is expanding its connect lineup to include the first Car-to-X technologies. The services traffic sign information and hazard information make the new Audi models part of a swarm. They report detected speed limits and hazardous locations, e.g. at points where a vehicle has broken down or the road service is slippery, to a server in the cloud via the mobile phone network. The server collects the data, processes it, and provides it to other Audi drivers who have suitable equipment. The updated information also flows into regular map updates for the MMI navigation plus system, making it available to the entire Audi fleet.

The traffic light information service connects the new models in the USA via the mobile phone network to the central traffic computer that controls traffic lights in the city. Based on the information from this system, the Audi virtual cockpit recommends a speed to the driver for reaching the next traffic light while it is green.

Audi electrification strategy

The Audi e-tron quattro concept, the brand’s conceptual study at CES, is an all electrically powered sport SUV. Three electric motors with a total output of up to 370 kW enable a quattro drive system and electric torque vectoring for maximum dynamic performance and stability. The 95 kWh battery, located between the axles and therefore in an ideal position in terms of the centre of gravity, enables a range of over 310 miles. The Audi e-tron quattro concept car is a preview of a future production model that will arrive on the market in 2018.

Piloted driving

The Audi e-tron quattro concept has piloted driving technologies on board, which Audi will be launching into production in the near future. They include piloted driving in traffic jams and piloted parking. These services represent greater safety, time savings, efficiency, comfort and convenience. The systems can make a valuable contribution toward safety, especially in situations in which the driver is either overwhelmed or underwhelmed by driving tasks. The core component of future systems will be the central driver assistance controller, known as the zFAS. Information is continually acquired from all of the car’s sensors and processed in this compact module. They include signals from the 3D cameras, the laser scanner and radar and ultrasonic sensors. The high computing power of the zFAS gives it the ability to continually compare the data of vehicle sensors to the environmental model of the road.

Especially in this area, Audi will benefit from the highly up-to-date HERE maps database, which AUDI AG acquired together with the BMW Group and Daimler AG in December 2015. In the future, self-driving vehicles will need to be based on a new data source with centimetre accuracy. The live data approach of HERE makes it possible to evaluate all sorts of changes and movements and recognise potential hazards in an extremely short time. In addition, vehicle sensors will send anonymised feedback to the cloud in real time – not only about the current traffic situation, but also about changes, e.g. related to the road condition, detours or other disturbances. In addition, HERE serves as a database with information on hotels and businesses, parking places and events. This is an example of how Audi is generating swarm intelligence with a high level of relevance.

Lighting innovations at Audi

The company is driving progress in automotive lighting technology. The latest highlights are matrix OLED technology and matrix laser technology which will soon be introduced to production.

OLED lighting units are moving into a new dimension with their precision and homogeneity. As a flat light source, they are excellently suited for use in tail lights. Subdivided into small segments that can be driven with high variability, they enable new, dynamic lighting scenarios – OLED technology will become matrix OLED technology at Audi.

Matrix laser headlights illuminate the road with a new standard of precision. Distributed into many tiny pixels, its light beam can be dispersed with extremely fine control. The new technology lets the car generate the ideal light for each driving situation. Matrix laser headlights offer tremendous gains in safety for the driver and all other road users.

The Audi VR experience

Audi is the world’s first carmaker to develop its own software and hardware solution for virtual reality applications by introducing the Audi VR experience in 2016. Customers can use virtual reality glasses to experience the car of their choice at a dealership with unprecedented realism – in 3D, with a 360-degree panoramic view, sound effects and all available features.

Audi Fit Driver

The Audi Fit Driver project is focusing on the well-being of the driver. Audi has a vision of drivers who step out of their cars at their destinations feeling more relaxed than when they stepped into them. A wearable – a fitness wristband or watch – monitors important vital parameters such as heart rate and skin temperature. The car’s sensors supplement them with information on driving style, breathing rate and relevant environmental data such as the weather or traffic situation. By analysing the combination of this data, the car can deduce the current state of the driver, e.g. whether the driver is stressed or overly tired. The vehicle systems then adjust their modes of operation to relax, vitalise, or even protect the driver.

In a later extension phase, Audi Fit Driver will also incorporate driver assistance and safety systems as well as systems for piloted driving – with functions that extend all the way to piloted emergency stops with emergency calling. When it comes to data protection, the usual strict regulations by Audi apply.

Infotainment

The scalable electronic architecture strategy that the modular infotainment platform follows is letting Audi approach the short product cycles of the consumer electronics industry. The Progressive Semiconductor Program (PSCP), established in 2010, is the key for future innovations. System component suppliers are key partners here. Audi engineers also engage in direct dialogue with semiconductor manufacturers. This principle leads to high efficiency and effectiveness.

One of the infotainment components in production today is the Audi phone box. It lets users charge their mobile phones inductively based on the Qi standard, and it improves mobile phone reception.

The component lineup is rounded out by 3D sound systems from Bose and Bang & Olufsen as well as the Audi smartphone interface and the Audi tablet.

Three production models will also be on display at the CES: the Audi Q7 SUV, the all-new Audi A4 and the 610 PS Audi R8 V10 plus.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk