Audi Tradition is presenting a special chapter in Audi history with a new exhibition at the Audi Forum Neckarsulm: the company’s rise to the upper mid-size range with the Audi 100. Running until April 30, a total of 17 exhibits from eight generations of the C model series, starting with the Audi 100 from 1968, await visitors on the second floor of the Audi Forum.

Over the course of its four model generations, the Audi 100 won the Golden Steering Wheel five times, the title “Car of the Year” twice, and was named “World Car of the Year” by automotive journalists once. The model series’ success is underscored by the 3.2 million Audi 100s that were sold in total. The premiere of the first Audi 100 in 1968 was preceded by an exciting story, as its development began in secret. Volkswagenwerk AG took over Auto Union GmbH in the mid-1960s and prohibited the Ingolstadt-based company from developing new models. Ludwig Kraus, Technical Director of Auto Union at the time, ignored the order to only work on existing models. He wanted to add a mid-range model to the Audi brand, which had only been reintroduced in 1965 with the first Audi produced after the Second World War. At a time when VW Beetles were rolling off the production line at the Ingolstadt plant, Kraus saw this as the only chance of survival for an independent Auto Union. His courage was rewarded, and he received the green light from Wolfsburg for his Audi 100 study. Production started in 1968, and capacity limits were very quickly reached in Ingolstadt. The Audi 100 production therefore moved to the Neckarsulm plant in 1970. The company sold 800,000 cars with the very first series. Three further generations followed and proved Audi’s claim of Vorsprung durch Technik with numerous innovations such as the fully galvanized body, optimized aerodynamics, and highly efficient engines.

Since 1994, the Audi A6 has continued the success story of the Audi 100. Nine variants of the Audi 100 and eight of the Audi A6 are on display in Neckarsulm, with the exhibition rounded off by an Audi RS 6 Avant GT1) from 2024. According to curator Stefan Felber, each of the 17 vehicles is distinguished by a special characteristic. In addition to the “first one,” which founded the ancestry line, visitors will also get to know a “globetrotter,” “a feat of spaciousness,” a “long one,” a “sloping one,” a “connected one,” and the “supreme one” – the latter is the Audi RS 6 Avant GT, which concludes the almost 60-year model series history on display. But, as we know, the model series’ success story will soon be continued with its ninth generation – the new Audi A6 Avant will be revealed to the world on March 4 at 2 p.m.

Audi Forum Neckarsulm
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission; guided tours of the exhibition available. The Audi Forum Neckarsulm is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. For further information, please see Guest Services | Audi Forum Neckarsulm.

1. Audi RS 6 Avant GT:Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (62.1 mi): 12.7-12.2 (18.5-19.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 289-277 (465.1–445.8 g/mi

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Global standardization and clear orientation for all customers: Audi is strengthening the alphanumeric format of its nomenclature. Going forward, it will represent the size and positioning of each model globally in a unified and transparent way. The previous distinction between electric vehicles and models with combustion engines according to their number no longer applies.

“This decision is the result of intensive discussions and also follows the wishes of our customers as well as feedback from our international dealers,” says Marco Schubert, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. “Our nomenclature now provides all customers worldwide with an intuitive orientation in our portfolio. We choose the names of our models in a way that reveals size and positioning at first glance.”

Going forward, the global alphanumeric model name will consist of one or more letters and a number. The letters A and Q continue to signify the distinction between low-floor and high-floor vehicles. The numbers – currently from one to eight – enable a clear classification independent of the type of powertrain. As a result, the previous distinction between different drivetrain technologies according to even and odd model numbers no longer applies.

Thanks to the orientation according to size and positioning, all-electric models can share the same combination of letters and numbers with combustion-engine vehicles. The necessary differentiation between models and variants in the portfolio is done using the body style (e.g. Avant, Sedan, or Sportback) and the – already established – powertrain code (e.g. e-tron, TFSI e, TFSI, or TDI).

The first new model to use this nomenclature will be the combustion-engine-equipped Audi A6. It stands for the brand’s long and successful history in the full-size segment and will be revealed globally on March 4. Thanks to the powertrain code, the A6 Avant TFSI for example, will be clearly differentiated from the all-electric A6 Avant e-tron. No retroactive name changes are planned concerning models already on sale.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Audi is strengthening the Q4 e-tron series by adding a high-range entry-level variant. The fully electric premium model offers extensive standard equipment, a range of up to 412 kilometers (Sportback: 423 kilometers), and DC charging power of 165 kW. With manual battery preconditioning and predictive maintenance reminders, the Q4 40 e-tron1 ensures even more convenience and ease in everyday driving. The entry-level model with a 63 kWh battery can be ordered starting mid-February.

More range means more peace of mind. That is why Audi is equipping the entry-level Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron with a larger battery that makes both everyday driving and leisure time even more relaxed. Starting in February, the compact SUV will be available with a 63 kWh (59 kWh net) battery. This enables an electric range of up to 412 kilometers (256.0 miles) (Sportback: 423 kilometers, 262.8 miles). Under ideal conditions, the battery’s state of charge (SoC) increases from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes when charged at a fast-charging station. Up to 150 kilometers (93.2 miles, Sportback: 155 kilometers, 96.3 miles) can be recharged in ten minutes. The maximum DC charging power is 165 kW.

The Q4 40 e-tron1 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in just 8.1 seconds (combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km: 18.4-16.0 (WLTP); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 0; CO2 class: A). Its speed tops out at 160 km/h (99.4 mph). At the rear axle, a permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) with 150 kW (204 PS) of power and high efficiency as well as superior power delivery provides the propulsion. The towing capacity of both model variants is 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lbs) at an incline of twelve percent and 1,200 kilograms (2,645 lbs) at an eight-percent incline.

Shorter charging stops and peace of mind for maintenance

Just like with the other members of the Q4 family, charging times are also shorter for the Q4 40 e-tron1. This is the case even if customers do not use the intelligent route planner and the automatic battery-preconditioning function connected to it.

Drivers who like to plan their charging stops themselves now have the option of manually enabling battery preheating. The so-called manual preconditioning is carried out via the MMI, which shows how many kilowatt are currently available for fast-charging the HV battery and how much additional charging power is available thanks to the preconditioned battery. Manually preconditioning the battery thus ensures the best possible charging results at every charging station.

With the new predictive maintenance reminder, Audi also offers the option of displaying a clear overview of maintenance-relevant parts via the myAudi app. Thanks to color-coded indicators, customers can see the exact status of their vehicle and its components at any time. For example, information can be called up about the brake pads, 12-volt battery, or the contents of the first-aid kit. When the customer activates the predictive maintenance reminder in the myAudi app, the pre-selected dealer will get in touch to arrange an appointment. With this feature, Audi has made the maintenance process more efficient.

Optimal connectivity for every situation

As with the other variants of the Q4 series, the Audi application store is available in the MMI of the Q4 40 e-tron1. Without using a smartphone, it offers access to a large and increasing selection of popular apps in the categories of news and podcasts, sports and games, and videos and entertainment. To use this, a one-year 25 GB data package is already included and can be activated via Cubic Telecom*. The data connection is established directly via the vehicle’s external antenna, which improves signal quality and saves smartphone battery power.

Thanks to extensive navigation content, customers can plan their vehicle charging with pinpoint accuracy. Filters can be used to define the desired battery charge level at a destination or to select charging stations from specific providers – for example, IONITY. The smartphone interface connects a smartphone to the vehicle and seamlessly transfers its content directly to the MMI touch display. Certain content, such as navigation, telephony, music, and selected third-party apps, can be transmitted wirelessly or via a USB-C cable.

ChatGPT includes a variety of options that go beyond the previous voice control. With the upgraded voice-operated system, infotainment, navigation, and climate settings can be controlled and everyday questions can be asked. Since the information can be requested in normal, ordinary language, driving is safer because the driver can always keep their eyes on the road.

ChatGPT is provided by Azure OpenAI Service. The basis for this new feature for Audi customers is Cerence Inc.’s Chat Pro solution with automotive-grade ChatGPT integration.

Premium standard features at an entry-level price starting at 46,150 euros

Entering the premium segment of electric mobility starts at 46,150 euros with the Q4 40 e-tron1. The Q4 Sportback 40 e-tron2 starts at 48,150 euros. The extensive standard equipment includes Audi MMI navigation plus, Audi connect navigation & infotainment, and the fully digital 10.25-inch Audi virtual cockpit instrument cluster. The luggage compartment lid is also electric as standard and, in combination with the optional comfort key, responds to foot gestures. Front seat heating is also a standard feature. Orders for both body versions of the model can be placed starting in mid-February.

*To book this option, a separate registration and authentication process must be completed on the Cubic Telecom website (https://audi.cubictelecom.com). A separate contract is concluded between Cubic and the customer for this service. The data package is valid for a period of 1 year. Please contact your Audi partner or visit https://audi.cubictelecom.com for information on the availability of this service in your country.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

1. Audi Q4 40 e-tron: Electric power consumption (combined): 18.4–16.5 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions (combined): 0 g/km; CO2 class: A

2. Audi Q4 40 e-tron: Electric power consumption (combined): 18.0–16.0 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions (combined): 0 g/km; CO2 class: A

Whether with 110 or 230 volts or 50 or 60 hertz, at Audi in Ingolstadt, electric cars can now be charged as if they were in China, the United States, or in numerous other countries around the globe. At the new electric-charging test center at the Ingolstadt site, Technical Development is testing electric Audi models under the conditions that prevail in the various sales regions. The results are incorporated directly into the research and development of the vehicles. This means that customers always benefit from the best charging experience, no matter where they are in the world.

Audi is one of the first automobile manufacturers to operate a flexibly adjustable grid simulator; the operation started at the beginning of the year in Ingolstadt. The simulator is the centerpiece of the Technical Development division’s electric-charging test center, which features charging stations from various manufacturers from several countries. The grid simulator makes it possible to operate charging stations from non-EU countries with the necessary voltage and grid configuration. This enables Audi to conduct field testing that replicates the conditions found in numerous sales regions worldwide. The power grid simulation installation was developed by Bosch Rexroth in collaboration with its partner company Schmidbaur.

Major differences in global power grids

Electricity may come out of the socket everywhere, but if we look at the various sockets, we are reminded that not all electricity is the same. That is because power grids can differ in their configuration, voltage, and frequency.

If a device is designed for a voltage of 120 volts and 60 hertz, as is common in North America, then it cannot be operated with the 230 volts and 50 hertz that are standard in Europe. “With the grid simulator, we can test whether our models can successfully charge with charging stations in the US or China, for example,” explains project manager Daniel Ettinger.

The flexible 500 kW simulator was developed by Bosch Rexroth in collaboration with Audi – specifically for Audi. The new system can deliver voltages between 100 and 540 volts and frequencies between 40 and 65 hertz. It supports single-phase, two-phase, and three-phase networks, as well as split-phase operation.

On their own factory premises, Audi engineers are using the electric-charging test center with its grid simulator to gain important insights into how electric cars and charging stations interact. They then apply their newly acquired knowledge to adapt vehicle software even better to the charging stations commonly used worldwide and to further improve the charging performance of the Audi models. The endeavor saves time and money, as it reduces the need for extensive testing abroad. At the same time, customers benefit from a charging experience that is individually designed for local conditions – so that charging is even faster and easier in all four corners of the globe.

Articles source: www.audi-mediacenter.com