Specially created for each Audi model and manufactured using the latest materials and testing criteria, Audi Genuine tyres ensure both wheel rim and tyre are coordinated to meet our exacting requirements.

To achieve the ‘AO’ marking for every model Audi Genuine tyres have to undergo around 50 performance criteria tests.

This is considerably more stringent than statutory tyre regulations.

Audi Genuine tyres are at the forefront when it comes to safety, comfort and driving on any road surface.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

Upgrade to 48-volt electrical system will enable forthcoming models to exhibit even more Vorsprung durch Technik

• Important building block in electrification strategy
• More voltage and more power for new technologies
• Scalable platform concept suitable for wide-ranging uses

In anticipation of a raft of new technological innovations which will pave the way for even more compelling production cars, Audi is to upgrade part of its vehicle electrical system from twelve to 48 volts. The move represents another technical building block for facilitating the integration of advanced new systems without jeopardising corresponding increases in engine performance and efficiency.

“We are using the full bandwidth of electrification in our drive principles strategy. Running part of the vehicle electrical system at 48 volts plays a central role in this,” commented Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Audi. “It enables us to make more energy available. That paves the way for new technologies with which we can make our cars more sporty, more efficient and more convenient to use.”

Audi recently showcased the scope of the 48‑volt electrical system in the Audi A6 TDI concept and RS 5 TDI concept technology demonstrators. Both models are fitted with an electrically powered compressor. This operates independently of the engine load and therefore fundamentally improves the accelerative performance. 48‑volt technology is also ideal for realising convenience systems for dynamic chassis control. Audi will shortly be unveiling a variety of applications in this field.

The current state of the art technology has taken 12‑volt electrical systems to their very limits. Especially at low temperatures, all the various static‑load consumers can account for the entire power generated by the alternator, which can deliver up to three kilowatts. The battery power is no longer capable of meeting the demands of new, dynamic‑load consumers such as high‑performance electric compressors.

The solution is a second subsidiary electrical system running at 48 volts, to complement the 12‑volt power supply. The higher voltage means smaller cable cross-sections are needed; this translates into lighter cable harnesses with lower power dissipation. The 48‑volt electrical system features new storage technologies and delivers much more power than the 12‑volt system with lead batteries. That makes it an important element of the Audi strategy of electrifying various stages of the drivetrain. The Group’s developers have already come up with a scalable platform concept, including a version that incorporates the electrically powered compressor.

In the current highest development version, a compact lithium‑ion battery supplies 48 volts as the energy source during engine‑off phases; a DC/DC converter integrates the 12‑volt electrical system. The lithium‑ion battery operates in conjunction with a new, efficiency-optimised alternator that qualifies the drivetrain as a mild hybrid. Within this concept there are diverse ways of starting, controlling and deactivating the combustion engine as needed. The powerful alternator achieves an energy recovery output of ten kilowatts, far more than is possible at present. That adds up to a saving of up to ten grams of CO2 per kilometre, equivalent to around 0.4 liters of fuel per 100 km.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

A new take on the Audi TT - five-door Sportback concept headlines in Paris

Open-top version of all-new Audi sports car retains classic roadster format but sets new class standards for agility, efficiency and in-car technology

Audi Matrix Beam LED headlights boast a fascinating design for day and night time driving, plus, they offer new functions not available elsewhere.

These include: Matrix function, which provides maximum illumination ahead of vehicle yet does not dazzle other road users.

Dynamic lighting where the light centre shifts into oncoming curve as per steering angle – proactively if in conjunction with MMI® navigation plus and MMI touch. Dynamic indicator where the indicator lights up from the inside outward within 0.15 seconds for a dynamic look.

LED technology includes dipped beam, high beam, daytime running lights, dynamic indicator, static turning light, all-weather light, dynamic cornering light and intersection light.

Also includes  a headlight cleaning system and high-beam assist for automatic switching between high and dipped beams.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk