Month: November 2016

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“The extra hour” installation by Audi and the LEGO® Group at Design Miami/

Self-driving cars relieve the strain on drivers while also giving them precious added time, since their hands and minds are freed up for other things during the drive. As a result, the Audi of tomorrow will become a place to work, relax and enjoy experiences. At Audi, this time gain is symbolized by the 25th hour – “The extra hour”. At Design Miami/, Audi partnered with the LEGO Group to give this new freedom a visual form with an installation. The Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept, placed at the center of a giant clock face, represents the focal point of this brand presentation. Also on display: The giant numeral “25”, made completely from LEGO bricks.

“Audi and the LEGO Group share a passion for innovation and inventiveness,” said Nils Wollny, Head of Digital Business Strategy & Customer Experience at AUDI AG. “This passion is also especially valuable in the development of new products and business models that relate to autonomous driving.” William Thorogood, Senior Innovation Director at LEGO Creative Play Lab, added: “We hope to inspire the imagination and creativity of the visitors with this installation and encourage them to allow themselves this break from their everyday routine. The 25th hour is the perfect time for that.”

Design Miami/ is being held November 30 to December 4, 2016, in Miami, Florida (USA). It is viewed as a worldwide design forum and each year draws the most influential art collectors, gallery owners, designers, curators and critics from all over the world to Miami. Audi has been the exclusive automotive partner to the exhibition since 2006.

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Moving forward under a new name: quattro GmbH becomes Audi Sport GmbH

Since 1983 quattro GmbH, with its headquarters in Neckarsulm, has been building high-performance sports cars and delivering high-tech automotive concepts. And now the Audi subsidiary has changed its name to Audi Sport GmbH. It is built on four business areas. In addition to developing and manufacturing the Audi R8* and Audi RS models, it is responsible for customer motorsport – Audi Sport customer racing. Other areas of business include car customization options via the Audi exclusive program, plus lifestyle articles marketed as the Audi Sport collection. 

The name Audi Sport is inspired by a long and successful tradition of motorsport. As far back as the 1930s, the legendary “Silver Arrow” models of Auto Union were the ultimate benchmark on racing circuits worldwide. In the 1980s, the Audi quattro with permanent all-wheel drive proved outstandingly successful in rally competition. Today the brand with the four rings is involved in the DTM, Formula E, GT racing and in the TCR category. Young racing talent is being fostered in the Audi Sport TT Cup. The production models benefit from developments and technologies first used in motorsport. The Audi R8 and the Audi RS models represent the sporty vanguard of the brand, combining superlative performance with exclusiveness and prestige.

The abbreviation RS stands for the most powerful engine version within a particular Audi model series, for impressive dynamic performance, for understated sophistication coupled with comprehensive everyday usability, and for quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The brand’s RS tradition started in 1994 with the appearance of the Audi RS 2 Avant.

It was a trendsetter – a genuine high-performance sports car with five seats and a large luggage compartment. Since then, quattro GmbH has steadily expanded the portfolio of RS models, which now range from the compact Audi RS 3 Sportback* to superior cars such as the Audi RS 6 Avant* or Audi RS 7 Sportback*. The subsidiary’s focus is to create the most prestigious models in the portfolio of AUDI AG.

The Audi R8 is the pinnacle of the product range. The first generation appeared on the market in 2007 with an innovative vehicle concept: mid-engine, systematic lightweight construction featuring Audi Space Frame technology, and quattro drive. The high-performance sports car provides a typical driving experience, but is also perfectly suited to the racetrack thanks to its optimum power-to-weight ratio.

The Audi subsidiary doubled its sales over the past five years. Over the next 18 months, Audi Sport GmbH will be launching eight new models, which will further consolidate the company’s position in the market. The number of specialized Audi Sport dealers will increase from 370 at present to around 600 by the end of 2017.

Stephan Winkelmann has been Managing Director of the company since March 15, 2016. Audi Sport GmbH has around 1,200 employees at locations in Neckarsulm and Ingolstadt.

The product portfolio of Audi Sport GmbH currently comprises the following models:

  • Audi RS 3 Sedan*
  • Audi RS Q3*, Audi RS Q3 performance*
  • Audi RS 6 Avant*, Audi RS 6 Avant performance*
  • Audi RS 7 Sportback*, Audi RS 7 Sportback performance*
  • Audi TT RS Coupé*, Audi TT RS Roadster*
  • Audi R8 Coupé*, Audi R8 Spyder*
  • Audi S8 plus*

Fuel consumption of the models named above

Audi RS 3 Sedan:
This vehicle is not yet on sale. It does not yet have type approval and is therefore not subject to directive 1999/94/EC.

Audi RS Q3:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.6 – 8.4** (27.4 – 28.0 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 203 – 198** (326.7 – 318.7 g/mi)

Audi RS Q3 performance:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.6 (27.4 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 203 (326.7 g/mi)

Audi RS 6 Avant:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 9.6 (24.5 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 223 (358.9 g/mi)

Audi RS 6 Avant performance:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 9.6 (24.5 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 223 (358.9 g/mi)

Audi RS 7 Sportback:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 9.5 (24.8 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 221 (355.7 g/mi)

Audi RS 7 Sportback performance:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 9.5 (24.8 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 221 (355.7 g/mi)

Audi TT RS Coupé:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.4 – 8.2** (28.0 – 28.7 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 192 – 187** (309.9 – 300.9 g/mi)

Audi TT RS Roadster:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.5 – 8.3** (27.7 – 28.3 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 194 – 189** (312.2 – 304.2 g/mi)

Audi R8 Coupé
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 12.3 – 11.4*** (19.1 – 20.6 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 287 – 272*** (461.9 – 437.7 g/mi)

Audi R8 Spyder:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 11.7 (20.1 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 277 (445.8 g/mi)

Audi S8 plus:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 10.0 (23.5 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 231 (371.8 g/mi)

** Figures depend on the tire/wheel sets used

*** Figures depend on the tire/wheel sets used and the engine/transmission variant

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BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen Group with Audi & Porsche Plan a Joint Venture for Ultra-Fast, High-Power Charging Along Major Highways in Europe

The projected ultra-fast high-powered charging network with power levels up to 350 kW will be significantly faster than the most powerful charging system deployed today. The build-up is planned to start in 2017. An initial target of about 400 sites in Europe is planned. By 2020 the customers should have access to thousands of high-powered charging points. The goal is to enable long-distance travel through open-network charging stations along highways and major thoroughfares, which has not been feasible for most BEV drivers to date. The charging experience is expected to evolve to be as convenient as refueling at conventional gas stations.

The network will be based on Combined Charging System (CCS) standard technology. The planned charging infrastructure expands the existing technical standard for AC- and DC charging of electric vehicles to the next level of capacity for DC fast charging with up to 350 kW. BEVs that are engineered to accept this full power of the charge stations can recharge brand-independently in a fraction of the time of today’s BEVs. The network is intended to serve all CCS equipped vehicles to facilitate the BEV adoption in Europe.

BMW Group
“This high-power charging network provides motorists with another strong argument to move towards electric mobility”, says Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.“The BMW Group has initiated numerous public charging infrastructure projects over the last years. The joint project is another major milestone clearly demonstrating that competitors are combining forces to ramp-up e-mobility.”

Daimler AG
“The breakthrough of e-mobility requires two things: convincing vehicles and a comprehensive charging infrastructure. With our new brand EQ, we are launching our electric product offensive: by 2025, our portfolio will include more than ten fully electric passenger cars. Together with our partners, we are now installing the highest-powered charging infrastructure in Europe”, says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The availability of high-power stations allows long-distance e-mobility for the first time and will convince more and more customers to opt for an electric vehicle.”

Ford Motor Company
“A reliable, ultra-fast charging infrastructure is important for mass consumer adoption and has the potential to transform the possibilities for electric driving”, says Mark Fields, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. “Ford is committed to developing vehicles and technologies that make people’s lives better, and this charging network will make it easier and more practical for customers across Europe to own electrified vehicles.”

AUDI AG
“We intend to create a network that allows our customers on long-distance trips to use a coffee break for recharging”, says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “Reliable fast charging services are a key factor for drivers to choose an electric vehicle. With this cooperation we want to boost a broader market adoption of e-mobility and speed up the shift towards emission-free driving.”

Porsche AG
“There are two decisive aspects for us: ultra-fast charging and placing the charging stations at the right positions”, says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “Together, these two factors enable us to travel in an all-electrically powered car as in a conventional combustion engine vehicle. As automobile manufacturer, we actively shape our future, not only by developing all-electrically powered vehicles but by building up the necessary infrastructure as well.”

The automobile manufacturers intend to make substantial investments to create the network, underscoring each company’s belief in the future of electric mobility. While the founding partners – BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen Group – will be equal partners in the Joint Venture, other automobile manufacturers will be encouraged to participate in the network to help establish convenient charging solutions for BEV customers. The Joint Venture is also open for cooperations with regional partners.

The Joint Venture formation is subject to execution of definitive agreements and merger control approval in various jurisdictions.

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Audi uses wearables in logistics

An innovative scanner glove has now replaced conventional barcode scanners at selected workplaces in the international logistics of CKD (completely knocked down) in Ingolstadt. The scanner is integrated in the “ProGlove.” The employees trigger the scanning function by pressing the thumb and first finger together. This means that they have both hands free for their work and save additional hand movements, to pick up and put down the scanner for example. It also minimizes walking and makes the working routines in CKD Packing more ergonomic.

“For our employees, the scanner glove is a real help. It makes them more flexible; they can move freely and can scan and pack the cartons more easily,” explained Hartmut Bartsch, Head of CKD Packing. “In addition, with the help of the glove, we design complex logistics processes to be more innovative and more efficient.”

“The development of ProGlove follows the idea that wearable electronics have to support the employees. That’s why we have developed a light glove for industry that is intuitive to use, and which can be deployed without any integration expense,” stated Thomas Kirchner, CEO of ProGlove.

The intelligent glove has an ergonomically optimized trigger button on the index finger, which operates the scanner when it is pressed against the thumb. The employee doesn’t have to focus on the barcode, because the scanning function is integrated in the natural hand movement. By means of optical (LED light), acoustical (buzzer) and tactile (vibration) signals, the commissioner knows that the article has been scanned.

The scanner communicates with the receiver unit by radio. This access point is connected via USB or a normal serial connector; the installation of additional software is not necessary. The battery charge is designed to last for the period of a working shift and can then be fully recharged within two hours.

Audi has successfully tested the ProGlove for four weeks and has now deployed the first gloves in the CKD Packing area. This is the first step towards widespread use of so-called wearables in production. In parallel with CKD Packing in Ingolstadt, the glove is also being tested in pilot phases in other areas of production at Audi. 

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Mattias Ekström and EKS win World Rallycross Championship teams’ title

“I’m lost for words – and this is a rare occurrence,” said Ekström at the end of a dramatic weekend in Argentina. “This title means a huge amount to the team and me. It shows that we all did an excellent job, and not just this year. When we started EKS three years ago, there was nothing at all. Now we are driver and team World Champions and I’ll remember a great many moments forever.”

Led by Ekström and his teammate Toomas ‘Topi’ Heikkinen, the team celebrated the title exuberantly in Rosario. “We extracted the maximum and also beat the Peugeot and Ford factory teams,” said the Swede. “The 2017 World Rallycross Championship will certainly be even tougher. The competition never sleeps, but I love challenges and I’ll be happy to try and defend both titles.”

EKS started the season finale with a 17 point lead over Team Peugeot Hansen. Where a series of startling events unfolded: after torrential rain a heat had to be moved from Saturday to Sunday. Ekström and Heikkinen were, however, left unfazed by the weather and finished the heats in third and ninth. As a result, they scored enough points to beat the competition around nine-time Rally World Champion Sébastien Loeb and to celebrate the title before the final races. After a dramatic semi-final, Heikkinen took third in the final and celebrated his third podium this year. Ekström was fifth in the season’s closing event. In the overall standings, the lead was 35 points in the end. Ekström’s Audi DTM teammate Timo Scheider was fourth in the Seat Ibiza entered by Muennich Motorsport.