Audi Singapore Club

According to the jury, the four-cylinder engine is “one of the most flexible and versatile engines ever to be developed—in short, it can do it all.” Hans-Joachim Rothenpieler, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Technical Development, explains this strength: “We are delighted to receive this award, because it acknowledges the versatility of the 2.0 TFSI. We use it not only as a pure gasoline engine, but also as a plug-in hybrid drive and for operation with natural gas or Audi e-gas.”

Rothenpieler is particularly proud of the success record of the TFSI technology. The head of Audi Technical Development looks back: “We introduced the first TFSI to the market in 2004. Since then, we have achieved class victory with a TFSI at the awards every year.” Between 2005 and 2009, Audi won the two-liter category with the 2.0 TFSI, and between 2010 and 2018, the company won in the larger class with the five-cylinder 2.5 TFSI. Following the switch from displacement-based to horsepower-based categories in 2019, the two-liter four-cylinder engine is back on the winners’ podium.

The abbreviation TFSI stands for turbocharging and direct injection; Audi was the first automotive manufacturer in the world to mass-produce this combination in 2004. The brand started its downsizing strategy, i.e. replacing displacement with charging, with the first 2.0 TFSI, the A3 Sportback drive. A new engine generation followed in 2007: What was known as EA (Entwicklungsauftrag, development order) 888 was designed for the global markets. It rolled off the line at the Hungarian plant in Győr, in Dalian, China, and other locations.

The “engine of the world” is suitable for longitudinal installation in the larger Audi models as well as for lateral installation, including in the Group brands Volkswagen, Škoda, and SEAT. Over the years, new solutions were incorporated into its technology package time and again. In its latest version, the four-cylinder engine presents a special efficiency technology from Audi: What is known as the B-cycle combustion process is designed specifically for partial load, which is the predominating mode of operation. With a moderate driving style, the 2.0 TFSI achieves the efficiency of a small-displacement engine, while offering the dynamics of a large engine at a sporty pace.

The 2.0 TFSI currently drives numerous Audi models from ten product lines and its power spectrum extends up to 180 kW (245 metric horsepower). And the success story goes on: At the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, Audi presented the Q5 as a plug-in hybrid variant*, where the 2.0 TFSI works in conjunction with a powerful electric motor. The four-cylinder engine is also used in the g-tron models in the medium-size class. They use natural gas (CNG) or Audi e-gas, a type of fuel for which Audi uses a sustainable process to produce large quantities itself.

The new drive concept comprises a 2.0 TFSI, a four-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline engine producing 185 kW (252 hp) and 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque, and an electric motor (combined fuel consumption: 2.4 – 2.1 l/100 km* (98.0 – 112.0 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions: 53 – 46 g/km* (85.3 – 74.0 g/mi)). The permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) has a peak output of 105 kW and peak torque of 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft). It and the separating clutch are integrated into the seven-speed S tronic, which uses ultra technology to transfer the drive torque to the quattro drivetrain. The hybrid SUV impresses with a system output of 270 kW (367 hp) and total torque of 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft) just above idle, namely from 1,250 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) takes 5.3 seconds; top speed is 239 km/h (148.5 mph). According to the standard for plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel consumption ranges from 2.4 – 2.1 l/100 km (98.0 – 112.0 US mpg), corresponding to 53 – 46 grams CO₂ per kilometer (85.3 – 74.0 g/mi). Its electric range in the WLTP cycle is more than 40 kilometers (25.9 mi). Top speed in electric mode is 135 km/h (83.9 mph), enough even for highway driving.

The SUV’s lithium-ion battery is located under the luggage compartment floor. It is made up of 104 prismatic cells and stores 14.1 kWh of energy with a voltage of 381 volts. For optimal temperature control, its cooling loop is connected to both the coolant loop for the climate control system and the low-temperature cooling loop into which the electric motor and power electronics are also integrated. The climate control system uses a highly efficient heat pump that pools the waste heat from the high-voltage components. With 1 kW of electrical energy, it can generate up to 3 kW of thermal heating output. That makes the car more efficient and also provides a more comfortable climate for the occupants.

quattro permanent all-wheel drive with ultra technology
The Q5 55 TFSI e** marks the first time that the efficiency-optimized all-wheel drive with ultra technology is used in combination with an electric motor. The all-wheel drive system’s intelligent control works predictively, always looking ahead by means of sensors and the continuous analysis of the data collected on driving dynamics and driver behavior. The quattro all-wheel drive system is thus always ready when needed. At low loads and a sufficient coefficient of friction between the wheels and the road surface, the transmission of power to the rear wheels is deactivated. The drivetrain then functions with high efficiency as a front-wheel drive system. All-wheel drive is deactivated whenever it is not needed, but it remains available at all times. Fast, automatic activation of the all-wheel drive system follows a three-stage strategy: proactive, predictive and reactive. By networking quattro drive with Audi drive select, drivers can adjust not just the character of the engine, but also the all-wheel-drive properties to suit their individual preferences.

Driver modes and the updated predictive efficiency assistant
Particularly quiet and with zero local emissions in the city, with high range on long-distance trips or sportily dynamic with the combined power of the combustion engine and the electric motor: the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro** intelligently manages a number of versatile drive modes. The concept is designed so that customers can do the lion’s share of their daily driving electrically.

The predictive efficiency assistant (PEA) adjusts coasting recuperation behavior to the situation at hand. It uses the predictive route data from the navigation database and monitors the distance to the vehicle ahead using signals from the camera and radar. Depending on the situation, the system chooses predictively between freewheeling with the engine switched off and coasting recuperation, i.e. the recovery of kinetic energy and its conversion into electrical energy.

When the adaptive cruise control (ACC) is active, the PEA supports the driver by automatically braking and accelerating with the aim of enhancing efficiency and comfort. If the driver is driving without ACC, however, a haptic signal from the active accelerator pedal and a visual signal in the cockpit and head-up display indicate the proper time to let off the accelerator to use as much kinetic energy as possible. At the same time, symbols in the cockpit indicate the reason for the reduction in speed. There are indicators for: speed limits, town signs, curves and downhill slopes, traffic circles, intersections, highway exits and traffic ahead.

The driver is free to choose whether and how to intervene in the interplay between engine and motor. There are three driving modes from which to choose:

Hybrid mode is activated automatically together with route guidance in the navigation system. It can also be activated manually using the Mode button. In this mode, the battery charge is optimally distributed over the route to reduce fuel consumption, with primarily electric driving in urban areas and stop-and-go traffic. The system chooses between freewheeling with the engine switched off and coasting recuperation. Coasting recuperation can recover up to 25 kW of power. The electric motor is responsible for all light braking up to 0.1 g, i.e. the majority of braking in everyday driving. A maximum of 80 kW of electrical energy are generated via braking recuperation at a deceleration of up to 0.2 g. The disc brakes are used for more power deceleration. If route guidance is active in the MMI navigation system, the predictive operating strategy attempts to drive the last urban segment of the route all-electrically and arrive at the destination with the drive battery nearly empty. The control function is based on a large amount of data. These include online traffic information, distance to the destination, the route profile of the chosen route, precise information about immediate surroundings from the navigation data, such as speed limits, types of roads, uphill and downhill slopes and the latest data from the onboard sensors.

Besides Hybrid mode, the driver can also choose between EV and Battery Hold modes. In EV mode, the car is driven exclusively electrically as long as the driver does not depress the accelerator past a variable, perceptible pressure point. EV mode is the base setting each time the vehicle is started. In Battery Hold mode, battery capacity is held at the current level.

Individual: equipment and design
The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e** combines with generous list of standard equipment. LED headlights, sport seats, three-zone automatic climate control, convenience key, DIS with color display, PHEV-specific displays and 18-inch wheels in a five-arm turbine design are standard. The rear seats can be shifted longitudinally and their seat back angle adjusted. Sporty details from the S line exterior package hone the dynamic look: S line bumpers front and rear, a diffuser with a double clasp at the rear and a unique design in the Singleframe grille with various elements in dark chrome.

Convenient: fast charging in just a few hours
The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro** comes standard with the Compact charging system plus a Mode 3 cable with Type 2 plug for use at public charging stations. The Compact charging system comprises cables for household and industrial outlets plus a control unit. The system features an LED status display and safety functions such as temperature and residual current monitoring. Audi also offers an optional charging clip, a lockable wall-mounted holder for the charging system. A full charge at a CEE industrial outlet with 400 V/16 A takes just 2.5 hours. The integrated charger charges the lithium ion battery with a maximum power of 7.4 kW. But even at a 220 V household outlet, an empty battery can be fully and conveniently recharged overnight in roughly six hours. Convenient recharging is also possible on the road. The proprietary Audi e-tron Charging Service provides access to some 100,000 charging points in Europe. A single card is sufficient to start charging, regardless of the provider.

Charge management from the couch: the myAudi app
The myAudi app allows customers to use the services from the Audi connect portfolio on their smartphones, which is particularly practical with electrified models. The app can be used to check the battery and range status, start the charging process, program the charge timer and view the charge and consumption statistics. Furthermore, the route planners in both the app and the MMI navigation in the car show charging stations.

Another function of the myAudi app is preheating/precooling prior to departure. In this case the climate control system compressor and the auxiliary heater in the car are powered electrically. The customer can determine exactly how the interior should be heated or cooled while the battery is being charged. Depending on the optional equipment chosen, the same applies to the seat and steering wheel heating, heating of the windshield, rear window and mirrors, and the seat cooling.

Orders are now being accepted for the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro** at a base price in Germany of 60,450 euros. Market introduction begins in the third quarter of 2019.

** 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.

“Habitats for plants and insects are becoming increasingly scarce in the world around us. We clearly see the preservation of the natural basis of human, animal and plant life as part of our corporate responsibility,” says Rüdiger Recknagel, Head of Environmental Protection at AUDI AG. The company joined the Biodiversity in Good Company initiative already in 2015 and has committed itself to analyzing the impact of its business activities on biological diversity and to including its protection in its environmental management system.

The company has already developed a comprehensive concept for the Audi production facility in Münchsmünster near Ingolstadt to create habitats for numerous animal and plant species. Audi has designed 17 hectares of the 31-hectare plant site to be as natural as possible. In Münchsmünster, 112 species of meadow plants are currently growing. By way of comparison, only about ten different species thrive on conventional industrial meadows. The biotope-like Audi site includes rough meadows and areas for perennial plants and trees. Audi has also integrated a meadow garden, deadwood areas and a stream with a rich structure into the concept. The design of the site is continually being optimized and is supported by biologists.

“We have planted native shrubs and trees on large parts of our open spaces and have laid out extensive meadows to provide animals with diverse food sources, nesting opportunities and near-natural habitats. The first successes are already visible,” says Thomas Sukowski, Head of Audi Production at Münchsmünster. “Our employees also benefit because they can now spend their breaks in natural green areas.” The Audi employees working at the site accompanied the implementation of the project right from the start. During planting campaigns, they were able to plant fruit trees typical of the region, take over a tree sponsorship or install nests for insects.

Projects to protect biodiversity are also being implemented and expanded at the other Audi locations. For example, on the IN Campus, the future Audi technology park in the north-east of Ingolstadt, 15 hectares of a former refinery site will be renatured and designed according to biodiversity criteria. The Audi Neuburg site has also implemented appropriate ecological measures on its site, including the integration into the site of sand hills, insect hotels and deadwood areas. At Audi’s Neckarsulm site, seed mixtures with more than 35 species of flowers have been planted on several former lawns to create habitats and food sources for insects. Back in 2009, Audi established the Audi Environmental Foundation, which is involved in numerous projects to protect the natural basis of life for humans, animals and plants. 

Audi R8 LMS GT4

Two victories at season opener: The Canadian Touring Car Championship began with two victories of the Audi R8 LMS GT4. On the challenging circuit at Mosport, Parker Thompson from Team Speedstar Motorsport scored overall victory in both races and thus twice in the GT Sport class too.

With compliments from a local restaurateur: In the city race at Pau in Southern France, the Audi R8 LMS GT4 clinched its first two victories this season in the GT4 France racing season. Team IMSA Performance achieved a sensational feat in the process: Michael Blanchemain/Steven Palette started from position 18 on the narrow circuit. Faced with an uncertain weather forecast, they obtained advice from a local restaurateur who had closed his terrace to be on the safe side because he expected heavy rain. Consequently, the team opted for rain tires and drove the Audi R8 LMS GT4 to victory in the race on the late Saturday night. A day later, the title defenders from Saintéloc Racing celebrated their first victory this season. Gregory Guilvert dropped to second position at the start but his teammate, Fabien Michal, subsequently demonstrated all his skills in overtaking previously lapped rivals. With their first victory, Guilvert/Michal took the lead of the standings with an eight-point advantage.

Maiden victory in the British GT: In round two of the British GT at Snetterton, the Steller Performance team celebrated a victory in the GT4 category in their first race with the Audi R8 LMS GT4. The two Britons Richard Williams and Sennan Fielding saw the checkered flag in the first race with a 3.633-second advantage ahead of their closest rivals.

Second place in the Eifel: The Giti Tire Motorsport team achieved a podium finish in the qualification race for the 24-hour race. The Chinese Xiaole and Li Fei shared an Audi R8 LMS GT4 with Sunny Wong and Andy Yan from Hong Kong and crossed the finish line in second place of the SP8 classification.

Audi RS 3 LMS (TCR)

Second victory this season: Antti Buri returned from the second race weekend of the ADAC TCR Germany with his second winner’s trophy. On the circuit at Most in the Czech Republic, the Finn in the Audi RS 3 LMS, as previously at Oschersleben, won the second race of the event. The 30-year-old privateer driver prevailed against Honda driver Bradley Burns with a spectacular overtaking maneuver on the last lap.

Two Audi victories in the TCR Russia: In the second round of the TCR Russia at Nizhny Novgorod, the Audi RS 3 LMS was the car to be beaten. In the first race, Klim Gavrilov with the VRC team started from pole position and went on to score his first victory this season. Victory in the second race went to Aleksej Dudukalo from Lukoil Racing Team, who, as a result, is now in second position of the standings. With 20 entrants, the TCR Russia is a particularly strong national TCR racing series. Audi is represented in the field with six RS 3 LMS cars entered by different customers.

Two successes in Canada: The new season of the Canadian Touring Car Championship began with two victories for Audi Sport customer racing. At Mosport, Matthew Taskinen in an Audi RS 3 LMS from M1GT Racing won the TCR classification in the first race. His fellow Audi driver, Travis Hill from TWOth Autosport, completed the podium in third place. In the second race, the Audi RS 3 LMS celebrated a one-two-three success: Matthew Taskinen won again while second place went to Travis Hill ahead of Jean-François Hevey (M1 GT Racing).

One-two in China: Guangdong Racing in the China Endurance Championship season opener at Ningbo scored a one-two result with the Audi RS 3 LMS in the touring car class. Drivers Xie Sen and Wang Jie finished in the top spot ahead of their teammates, Sun Jun Long, Liang Zhi Wie and Zhou Bao Long.

Second place in season opener: The inaugural season of the TCR Japan sprint racing series began with a customer success for Audi Sport. In round one on the circuit at Autopolis, Takuro Shinohara in second place on a wet track had to admit defeat by only one second. His Audi RS 3 LMS is fielded by the long-standing Japanese Audi customer team Hitotsuyama Racing.

Position two at the Nürburgring: The Bonk Motorsport customer team celebrated a success in the qualification race for the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Hermann Bock and Max Partl finished runners-up in the SP3T class. The Audi RS 3 LMS of the squad based in Münster was the fastest front-wheel drive race car in this class.

Podium finish at Misano: Enrico Bettera as the best Audi privateer driver clinched a podium finish in the second round of the TCR Italy. The Italian Gentleman driver as the runner-up in the first race had to admit defeat in his Audi RS 3 LMS by only 1.2 seconds.

First trophy in the TCR Eastern Europe: For the first time this season, a customer of Audi Sport customer racing stood on the podium in the TCR Eastern Europe. In the second event of the season at the Red Bull Ring, Serbian Rudi Pesovic in an Audi RS 3 LMS from AMSK GM Racing in the second sprint clinched third place in the field of ten entrants.

Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup

A visit to Formula One at School: The “Formula One at School” technology competition visited the “Autostadt Wolfsburg” in the middle of May. The event also gave the 11- to 19-year-old participants the opportunity to admire a real race car – the Audi R8 LMS GT4, the car fielded in the Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup. The students themselves had developed miniature race cars on the computer, built and entered them in racing. The best student teams can look forward to a trip to the world championship in Abu Dhabi. Two other promising teams received an invitation in Wolfsburg to visit a race weekend in the Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup.

Coming up next week

24–25/05 Brno (CZ), round 4, 24H Series

24–25/05 Red Bull Ring (A), rounds 5 and 6, DMV GTC

24–26/05 Hockenheim (D), rounds 3 and 4, TCR Europe

24–26/05 Hockenheim (D), rounds 3 and 4, TCR Benelux

25/05 Goiânia (BR), round 2, Endurance Brasil

25–26/05 Hockenheim (D), rounds 3 and 4, International GT Open

25–26/05 Hockenheim (D), rounds 3 and 4, GT Open Cup

25–26/05 Suzuka (J), round 3, Super GT

25–26/05 Alcañiz (E), round 2, Campeonato de España de Resistencia

26/05 Wakefield (AUS), rounds 1 and 2, CAMS NSW Production Sports Car Championship

– End –

“I feel that Berlin is coming up at exactly the right time. Following the setback in Monaco, where we went home without any points in spite of a good race by Daniel and Lucas, the team’s home round is the perfect place for a comeback,” says Allan McNish. A look at the statistics underlines the team principal’s statement: the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team went home empty-handed only on five race weekends in the history of Formula E so far – and at least one of the two drivers scored a podium finish in the next race. Allan McNish: “The good news is: everything is still open in the championship. With a strong result in Berlin, we want to make the battle for the title, before the then remaining three races, like last year, a real thriller.” 

The 2.377-kilometer circuit on the Tempelhof airport in the south of the city, that was shut down in 2008, is the venue for the tenth round of the season. In 1948 and 1949, Tempelhof was the airfield for the international Airlift through which the Allied Powers supplied the locked-in West Berliners with food and goods.

Last year, the fans witnessed a dream weekend of the German team: Daniel Abt first clinched pole position, then won the race in commanding style ahead of Lucas di Grassi, and also set the fastest race lap in the process. This maximum points result to be achieved by a driver pairing has been unique so far in the history of Formula E. Since the inaugural season in 2014, Formula E has raced in Berlin five times, four times at Tempelhof and once at Alexanderplatz. Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi scored a total of five podium finishes at these events. 

“Berlin is like a cup match in the Bundesliga season for me: the race has unique significance and its very own rules. I simply feel comfortable in the city and at Tempelhof. The support from the many fans already gives me a boost before we even get to the track,” says Daniel Abt. “All the positive thoughts from last season are still in my mind. Obviously, we’re all starting from scratch again on Friday, but even so: we know how to clinch trophies and win in Berlin.” 

This year, the unusual timetable poses a special challenge in Berlin: Because the race will already start at 1 PM on Saturday, the two free practice sessions will be held on Friday and the race day will begin directly with qualifying in the early morning. Due to the track still being dirty without previous practice sessions or a supporting program, this might mean that there will be an additional disadvantage for the first qualifying groups in which Lucas di Grassi (Group 1) and Daniel Abt (Group 2) compete.

“That the top five in the championship always have to qualify first is obviously tough, but makes for a mixed grid resulting in gripping racing,” says di Grassi. The previous nine races this season have seen eight different winners. “Berlin is one of the highlights of the year for all of us: we have great memories of our one-two result last year and are looking forward to the support from many friends and partners. As far as the competition goes, I’m confident: we’ve got the performance to win races. A good qualifying and a clean race – and we’ll be in contention.”