Audi: TT Clubsport Quattro Concept Set To Make It To Production

Last year we were presented with the Audi TT Clubsport Quattro Design Study which debuted at the Essen Motor Show, the low windscreen made a production version of this vehicle unlikely however there were some Audi executives that suggested a low volume model could make it to our streets. Now to confirm it could well be a reality, the folks over at Auto Motor und Sport have spotted a very production looking version of the Clubsport Quattro concept.

Instantly we see the front fascia of the pictured prototype is far more in line with the styling seen on the Audi production models, sporting some huge vents which suggest an even more powerful engine could well be hiding under the hood beyond the 300hp TFSI that was in the concept. The other notable features are the larger side view mirrors, high rollbars on the back of the seats, the addition of a brake light and the slightly taller windscreen. Although the lack of a front bow(the bar that goes across the top of the windscreen) does make one wonder if it will pass the rigid European safety tests.

Source: www.worldcarfans.com

Audi: Safety based on radar technology – Audi braking guard

The amount of traffic on our roads is increasing constantly, as is the amount of information that needs to be processed – meaning that the task of driving is becoming ever more demanding. Audi has developed a technology which promises more relaxed, safer motoring: the Audi braking guard brake assist system is designed to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. It is one of a whole generation of intelligent assistance systems which monitor the area surrounding the car in order to offer additional protection. Audi braking guard is available for the A4, A4 Avant, A6, A8 and Audi Q7 model lines, as well as for the new Q5.

Audi braking guard forms part of the radar-based adaptive cruise control system, or ACC for short. This system regulates the speed and the distance from the vehicle in front at speeds between 30 and 200 km/h, independently applying the brakes within certain limits in the process.

The computer is integrated into the vehicle data bus network and is able to communicate with the control units for the engine, automatic transmission and brakes – all within a few thousandths of a second! The entire expertise that Audi has amassed in this field is behind the software's architecture and detailed design.

ACC allows the driver to choose between various drive modes. These modes define the minimum time interval to the vehicle ahead in four increments (between 1.0 and 2.3 seconds), as well as altering the dynamic characteristics of the regulation process in three stages, from comfortable through to sporty. The system adjusts speed and distance by accelerating or braking, while giving priority to comfort. The rate of deceleration is limited to a maximum of 3 m/s2 above 50 km/h. This is barely a third of the potential braking power and has the same effect as pressing the brake pedal with moderate force.

If the vehicle in front brakes abruptly, however, a situation can arise in which this automatic braking function may no longer be enough. What is more, the driver may not perceive the new situation fast enough; analyses of Audi accident research show that 70 percent of all collisions are caused by drivers who are distracted, tired or not concentrating. This is where the ACC subsystem Audi braking guard comes into action, warning the driver in two separate stages.

Stage one consists of a warning gong and a red symbol that flashes up in the instrument cluster. The ESP stabilization system makes sure that the brake system is primed with hydraulic fluid. If the driver still fails to take action, this is followed by the second stage known as the "acute" warning. This stage is triggered when the warning algorithm comes to the conclusion that the situation can only be mitigated if the driver reacts immediately – usually by executing an emergency braking.

The form of the acute warning was a key issue during development of the system. During an extensive series of tests carried out with subjects from the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich, the engineers were able to test out various possibilities. The clear winner was the warning jolt, which is generated by a swift build-up of pressure in the braking system and lasts just 0.5 seconds. This slows down the vehicle by no more than 5 km/h to avoid any risk of being shunted by following traffic.

In the vast majority of the cases observed during testing, the warning jolt caused distracted drivers to return their attention to the road ahead and step on the brakes. With the aid of the hydraulic brake assist system, Audi braking guard instantly converts the driver's action into an emergency stop without any delay. By priming the brake system, the ESP system saves between 100 and 200 milliseconds – which can equate to a distance of over seven meters (approx. 23 feet) at 130 km/h (approx. 80 mph).

Audi braking guard is also on the lookout when the ACC system is deactivated. On the other hand, the advance warning and the entire braking guard feature can also be switched off separately, in keeping with the Audi philosophy of giving drivers as much control as they want. At Audi, the focus is never on technology as an end in itself – our technology always revolves around people.

Other important assistance systems from Audi include Audi side assist, Audi lane assist and the Audi parking system advanced. Audi side assist uses radar beams to monitor the area rearwards of the car and to the sides. Lamps in the exterior mirrors warn the driver not to change lanes if there is another vehicle in the blind spot or approaching fast from the rear. Audi lane assist recognizes the lane perimeter markings by means of a small camera behind the windscreen – vibrations in the steering wheel alert the driver when the vehicle comes too close to the markings. The Audi parking system advanced is a luxury parking aid which projects the image from a rear-view camera onto the in-vehicle monitor, as well as superimposing helpful guide lines.

The radar system from Audi is pure high-tech. The radar sensor is positioned in the front end of the car on the right next to the single-frame grille, and incorporates four transceiver units behind a plastic lens into its housing. These units send out waves at a frequency of 76.5 gigahertz in 100 millisecond intervals. The measurement scans a field 180 meters in length with a beam angle of eight degrees.

The computer analyses the differences between successive measurements. Using the Doppler effect and the signal traveling time, the computer can determine the distance to the vehicle ahead, as well as whether the distance is changing and at what rate. By comparing the signals from the four individual antennae, it can also ascertain the angle of the vehicle ahead in relation to the car's own direction of travel. This in turn is calculated from radar information on lane boundary markers, such as crash barriers, as well as from various signals provided by the ESP stabilization program.

Source: www.audi.com

Audi: The A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro

Audi, the inventor of TDI, blazes a trail in the field of engine manufacture. At the 27th annual Lake Wörther Tour being held at the end of May in the Austrian province of Carinthia, the brand behind the four rings is showcasing this technology's potential with a sensational study.

The two-liter TDI unit under the bonnet of the Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro delivers 165 kW (224 hp) and musters up 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) of torque – the sort of pulling power normally associated with a sports car. The show car races from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 6.6 seconds and attains a top speed of 240 km/h (149.13 mph).

The Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro projects its power with supreme confidence – both acoustically courtesy of its sonorous exhaust and visually with a series of exclusive parts mounted on the body and in the interior. Exterior components such as the large DTM-look rear spoiler and the bolt-on wheel arch extensions give the car a dynamic air, while the racing bucket seats and open gear lever gate in aluminum form the highlights of the interior.

The show car is a true high-tech sports car. The drive power is directed to the 20-inch wheels via a six-speed transmission and the quattro all-wheel-drive system. At the front wheels, stopping power is provided by six-piston brake calipers and ceramic discs. The Audi drive select driving dynamics system allows the driver to vary at will the throttle response characteristic, the exhaust sound, the level of power assistance for the steering, the cut-in thresholds for the ESP stabilization system, as well as the operating mode of the dampers. The dampers deploy Audi magnetic ride technology, enabling them to react to changes in the driving situation with lightning speed.

Audi is the trailblazer of engine manufacture. Since their debut back in 1989, the TDI engines have long since established themselves helped by their powerful, refined and efficient character. The triumphant advance that the diesel-powered Audi R10 TDI racing car has been enjoying for two years now in the Le Mans 24 Hours and in the American Le Mans Series is clear testimony to this technology's tremendous potential.

The engine in the R8 TDI Le Mans study is closely related to the diesel race engine technically speaking – the high-performance sports car is equipped with a six-liter V12 power unit whose output of 368 kW (500 hp) and torque of 1,000 Nm (737.56 lb-ft) are good for a top speed comfortably in excess of 300 km/h (186.41 mph). The R8 TDI can also be seen at the Lake Wörther Tour, as the major annual gathering of horsepower-happy Audi and VW enthusiasts is known. Audi has already transferred the superior power of the TDI engines into its road-going cars: the TT and TT Roadster both feature a mighty two-liter unit generating 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of peak torque, coupled to the quattro all-wheel-drive system. As is plain to see, Audi continues to build on its lead in the technology stakes.

Source: www.audi.com

Audi: RS 6 Avant Plus Set to Return

The Audi RS 6 Avant may be at the forefront of the horsepower race with BMW and Mercedes, but so far none have been delivered yet. Market launch is expected to take place this summer and already rumors have popped up talking of a new RS 6 Avant Plus model.

The previous generation Audi RS 6 Avant also had a Plus version at the end of its production (April – October 2004) which provided customers with an additional 30 hp (480 hp instead of 450 hp) through a remapped ECU and additional radiators, 19 inch wheels instead of 18 inch and a sports suspensions lowering the car by another 10 mm. Only 999 units found their way to dealerships.

Dutch AutoTelegraaf now claims that, according to insiders, the current RS 6 Avant will also come in a Plus guise but not until the end of its life cycle, probably sometime in 2011. The current A6 model is about to receive a facelift and will not be replaced by an all new model until at least 2011, if not later. The new RS 6 Avant Plus would be able to boast 613 hp from its V10 engine (580 hp in the regular RS 6 Avant).

Source: www.worldcarfans.com

Audi: Audi Wins Inventor of the Year Award

The European Patent Office has named AUDI AG European Inventor of the Year. The honor is bestowed on companies whose ideas have made significant contributions to Europe’s economic growth and competitiveness. Audi was recognized for the invention of Audi Space Frame technology (ASF).

Günter Verheugen, Vice-President of the European Commission, honored the winners. “The European Inventors of the Year 2008 have developed true innovations.” The award, which has now been presented for the third time, is intended to promote Europe’s image as the “Continent of Innovations.”

“The award is a testament to our lead in lightweight aluminum design technology, an area that is so important for the automobile industry,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. Competing in the “Industry” category, the ASF technology of the brand with the four rings was named the winner over competitors’ patents.

Heinrich Timm, Head of the Aluminum and Lightweight Design Center at Audi, and Norbert Enning, co-inventor of the ASF concept, accepted the Inventor of the Year award in Ljubljana. “With Audi Space Frame technology, Audi opened up a new dimension in lightweight automotive design,” says Timm. The Audi Space Frame results in a car body that is not only stronger and safer than a steel body, but also significantly lighter. “This is a central aspect for reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions,” says Enning.

The Audi Space Frame was first presented to the world public at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 1993 as the body of an Audi A8. The ASF is a high-strength aluminum frame structure into which the panels are integrated so that they also perform a load-bearing function. The Audi Space Frame comprises a complex structure of extruded profiles and cast nodes. Together these result in a car body with very high stiffness and a vehicle offering above-average crash protection. The ASF design enables significant weight savings, improved handling and lower fuel consumption. The Audi A8, the Audi TT Coupé, the TT Roadster, the Audi R8 and the Lamborghini Gallardo are all equipped with Audi Space Frame technology.

Norbert Enning, 51, is one of Audi’s most inventive employees. Enning and his team developed ASF technology under the leadership of Heinrich Timm in the early 80s. “The body of the Audi A8 utilizing the ASF principle is one of the lightest in the luxury class,” says Enning. Since joining Audi in 1982, the graduate mechanical engineer has made inventions in the areas of pedestrian protection and interior appointments in addition to his numerous inventions relating to the ASF design. Enning is currently engaged in the predevelopment of vehicle concepts.

Source: www.theautochannel.com

Skoda: Skoda gives Yeti 4x4 the green light

Skoda's junior 4x4, the Yeti, is going to make production, Autocar has learned. The Czech car-maker will develop the new small 4x4, due on sale in mid-2009, using a mix of VW group architecture and componentry, so that when it comes to market, like so many of Skoda's models, it'll be a unque prospect for UK car buyers.

Speculators have suggested that VW's Golf-based Tiguan 4x4 would make a fine basis for the small offroader, but instead Skoda will borrow some key modules like the VW’s four-wheel drive system, and mix them with other hardware sourced from elsewhere in the VAG Group.

The Skoda Yeti will therefore be a smaller 4x4 than the market is used to. Instead of a rival for the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, it'll be aimed at softer targets as far apart as the Suzuki Jimny and new Nissan Qashqai.

“Skoda will develop its own vehicle and its own concept. We need to find niches where we don’t compete with other group products from VW and Seat,” says Martin Hrdlicka, Skoda’s head of chassis development.

The engineering process for the Yeti will follow a similar route to that of the Roomster mini-MPV, which mixes the front engine/axle and body structure of the new Fabia with the rear axle and body structure of the Octavia to make a vehicle unique in the VW Group model range.

The Yeti name is a still a possibility for the production car, although the decision has yet to be taken. “It might be Yeti or it might not be,” says Hrdlicka.

Whatever it ends-up being called, Skoda’s small 4x4 will be one of six new models from Skoda in the next three years, a process that by 2010 will see every car in the company's range renewed.

First of the replacements is the new Fabia estate, due for reveal late this year with UK sales starting in spring 2008. With the sharper styling of the new Fabia and its rising beltine, the new estate is expected to be a sportier-looking model than the stodgy outgoing model.

First of the all-new models is the Superb replacement, a vehicle based on a modified version of the current VW Passat. With sharper styling and a better quality interior than the existing Superb, the new model is expected to double UK sales to around 6000 a year, according to product marketing manager Warren Richards.

After an Octavia facelift late next year, the Yeti 4x4 will be next in summer 2009, followed a year later by a facelift of the new Fabia. Late 2010 is another key date, when the Octavia is replaced by an all-new model based on the Golf’s PQ35 platform. As with the Fabia and Yeti, Skoda will use VW Group hardware and its own parts bin and create a distinctly different Octavia. The five-door hatch will keep its fast-back styling, leaving the Golf with a more traditional hatchback look.

Skoda is still undecided about adding a new city car, in the mould of the Joyster concept, to its range; if it did, we wouldn't see it until 2011 at the earliest. “We are working on a number of concepts, with no decisions yet,” says Hrdlicka.

One of the stumbling blocks is getting the business case to work. Although the Citroen C1/Peugeot 107/Toyota Aygo are made very close to Skoda’s Mlada Boloslav factory in the Czech Republic, the models are priced close to the Fabia, leading Skoda to believe that pricing a sub-Fabia hatchback profitably would be difficult. At this stage, however, it is ruling nothing out.

Source: www.autocar.co.uk

VAG: VW could build Porsches in US

The German business newspaper Handelsblatt today reported that VW could build Porsche's premium SUV in a new factory it plans to open in the U.S. in 2010. The newspaper cited internal VW sources.

VW spokesman Andreas Meurer today did not deny that VW could build Porsche vehicles in the U.S.

"When we discuss whether to build the [VW] Touareg and [Audi] Q7 in the USA, we also talk about the Cayenne," Meurer told Automotive News Europe.

The Touareg, Q7 and Cayenne share the same platform and are built in VW's factory in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Meurer confirmed that the 150,000-unit U.S. plant will initially build the VW Jetta sedan and an all-new sedan that will be about the same size as the VW Passat.

He also confirmed that three U.S. states – Alabama, Tennessee and Michigan - are under consideration for the plant. VW will decide on the location in mid July.

VW CEO Martin Winterkorn told Handelsblatt that models for VW's premium brand Audi could be built alongside VW models in the new plant.

Porsche owns 31 percent of VW and plans to increase its stake to more than 50 percent in the next six months.

Source: www.autonews.com

Audi: A4 3.0 TDI by Rieger tuning

Soon many other tuners will be on the new A4 (B8) bandwagon. For now RIEGER Tuning is showing off its latest creation in the A4 3.0 TDI. RIEGER has gone and changed quite a few bits and pieces of A4, such as a redesigned rear bumper that features an integrated air diffuser, side skirts and a front lip spoiler. The wheels are special as well at 20-inch in alloy.

To give the A4’s look some suitable go to match, RIEGER popped the bonnet to redo some of the ECU’s hard work. So instead of 176kW from the turbo diesel motor, we now see a total of 219kW, plus torque measuring stonking 610Nm. Remember that the standard car sees 500Nm, so this is quite a significant jump.

Source: www.rieger-tuning.de

VW: Volkswagen Debuts New Polo GT-Rocket and Black/Silver Editions

Volkswagen are launching GT-Rocket and Black/Silver special edition models for their tough little Polo, each featuring a special range of highlights and specification upgrades. The latest additions to the Polo range are specifiable across the line-up and available to order immediately from 13,800 and 16,875 euros respectively.

The GT-Rocket special edition model offers buyers a youthful, dynamic design, sporting special branding and a higher level of standard specification. Thrown into the mix are lightweight 'Aristo' alloy wheels, rear spoiler and front fog lamps, while inside the GT-Rocket is treated to unique upholstery, brightly-seamed floor mats and leather steering wheel. The sporting special edition is available on two petrol and three diesel models, kicking prices off at €16,875 for the 80 PS 1.4-litre Polo.

Offering the consumer a more elegant proposition, Volkswagen have introduced Black/Silver special editions to the line-up. Available, as the nameplate suggests, in the choice of Black, Black Magic, Reflex Silver and Silverbird colour options, the Polo Black/Silver also adds a range of stylish touches and increased specification.

Modifications are largely interior although 16-inch 'Varano' alloys are fitted as standard. 'Climatic' air conditioning and CD-Radio are added to the spec sheet, while a range of highlights including leather steering wheel, tinted rear windows, black ceiling and darkened rear screen are also thrown in. The Black/Silver editions are available with the choice of four petrol and four diesel units. Prices start at €13,800.

Source: www.worldcarfans.com

Seat: The new Ibiza will be available this month in the sales network

With its innovative design and pronounced sportiness, SEAT’s most emblematic Ibiza will be on sale this month throughout the company’s dealership network, coinciding with the upcoming Madrid Motor Show.

The new Ibiza is dashingly youthful and features outstanding dynamic qualities thanks to the new Volkswagen Group platform which has been designed for this segment. This new development heightens the allure of SEAT’s new model and combines with the new “Arrow Design” concept, featuring simpler, more powerful geometric lines that lend balanced aesthetics to the new SEAT Ibiza.

Each detail on the Ibiza 2008 has been painstakingly crafted for outstanding quality and precision, including the equipment level with its attractive standard elements such as the head-thorax airbags, ESP electronic stability and Hill Hold Control, which greatly enhance comfort and safety.

The initial engine range includes three petrol versions (70 hp 1.2; 85 hp 1.4 and 105 hp 1.6) and one Diesel engine (105 hp 1.9 TDI) equipped with the DPF particulate filter, although the range will soon expand to include the 80 hp 1.4 TDI and 90 hp 1.9 TDI versions. All of the engines are mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and feature outstandingly low CO2 emissions, of less than 160 g/km on the petrol versions and less than 120 g/km on the Diesel models.

The new Ibiza will be available with three trim levels – Reference, Stylance and Sport, with a complete list of equipment starting from the entry-level model.

By trim levels, the standard equipment list on the new SEAT Ibiza for the Spanish market includes the following:

Reference: ABS; ESP and TCS + EBA; driver airbag + passenger airbag; head-thorax airbag; Hill Hold Control; tyre pressure warning, MP3 audio equipment + Aux-in + 6 speakers, manual folding door mirrors and black door handles, 185/60 tyres on 15” steel rims and hubcap, single parabolic headlights, anti-theft roof aerial, spare wheel, steering column mounted controls, front power windows, remote controlled central locking, electric boot door mechanism, height and reach adjustable steering column, front seatbelt warning pitch, Isofix anchoring points on rear seats and Top Tether pre-installation, central console with 2 + 1 cupholders and power outlet, height adjustable driver and passenger seats, three height adjustable rear headrests and boot light, among others.

Stylance: Reference equipment plus climatiser, electric heated body colour door mirrors, body colour door handles, double parabolic headlights, foglamps with cornering function, Comino Home, cruise control, 185/60 tyres on 15” aluminium rims, trip computer, split folding rear seat, leather steering wheel and gearknob, front seat storage bags, rear power windows, vanity light and reading light.

Sport: The sportiest version adds to Reference equipment with electric heated body colour door mirrors, body colour door handles, double parabolic headlights, foglamps with cornering function, cruise control, 215/45 tyres on 16” aluminium rims, trip computer, split folding rear seat, leather steering wheel and gearknob, sports suspension, sports seats, front seat storage bags and rear power windows.

Depending on the trim level, the complete standard equipment list of the new Ibiza can further include a long list of optional elements.

These elements have been designed for increased comfort on both the interior and the exterior, and include a storage package featuring drawers beneath the front seats, a cargo net for the boot and storage pouches on the backrests of the front seats.

Geared for the exterior, the technical package includes a parking sensor, rain sensing wipers, Coming Home function and anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, and the Winter package, which features heated ejectors and headlight wipers.

The new Ibiza offers the Stylance and Sport design packages, which feature light tones on the soft-pad, front armrest, storage package, and dark glass on the Sport package.

The standard choice of rims on the three trim levels (15” steel Festival on Reference, 15” alloy Ingenia on Stylance and 16” alloy Fabula on Sport) can be optionally upgraded to the 15” alloy Caloria, 16” Sonda and 17” Saga on Reference; the 16” alloy Sonda and 17” alloy Saga on Stylance; and the 17” alloy Saga on Sport.

The list of optional elements includes the following: front and rear head airbag + side airbags, switchable passenger airbag, rear parking sensor, cruise control, foglamps with cornering function, heated electric door mirrors, air conditioning, climatiser, bi-xenon headlights with AFS and headlight wipers, navigator pre-installation, electric folding door mirrors with parking position, dark glass, front armrest, panoramic glass sunroof, heated front seats, volumetric alarm, iPodâ compatible USB port, Bluetooth connection, USB port + Bluetooth, metallic paint, emoción red paint and custom color paint.

Source: www.seat.com

Audi: Successful start to 2008

Following a very successful 2007, Audi is on course to achieve top figures once again in 2008. “We will continue to pursue our course of profitable growth,” said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, today at the company’s 119th Annual General Meeting in Ingolstadt.

“We produce cars in such a customer-orientated and individualized way that they are like "made-to-measure" suits. In this sense we will deliver a million "made-to-measure" cars to customers in 2008. The new A4 Sedan and the new A4 Avant will play a major part in achieving this. And countless innovations will help us expand our “Vorsprung durch Technik” when it comes to efficiency.”

Audi is continuing its path for growth despite the change in the Audi A4 model: In the month of April, worldwide vehicle sales grew by 2.9 percent to 86,765 (84,323) units. The company therefore sold 338,033 (332,462) cars worldwide (up 1.7 percent) in the first four months of the year.

The strategic growth markets of Asia-Pacific and Eastern Europe showed particularly strong growth for Audi in April: With 12,819 cars sold, sales in the Asia-Pacific region went up by 18.2 percent compared with the same month last year. In China (including Hong Kong) alone, the company increased sales by 16.3 percent, to 10,028 cars. This means an increase of 22.7 percent in this important growth market for the first four months of this year. In Eastern Europe, Audi sold 3,804 cars (up 13.4 percent), an increase of 14.8 percent in the first four months.

With € 514 million (€ 401 million), the company’s operating profit grew by 8.2 percent compared with the previous year, despite unfavorable developments in currency exchange rates and weak overall markets in North America and Germany. “This positive development is primarily due to the improvement of the model and equipment mix, and it affirms our programs for continuous product optimization,” announced Axel Strotbek, Member of the Board of Management for Finance and Organization of AUDI AG, to shareholders. “We have therefore established a sound basis on which to realize our ambitious objectives for 2008.”

For comparison: sales grew worldwide by 1.3 percent in the first quarter to 251,268 (248,139)* cars. Never before in the company’s history has AUDI AG sold so many cars in the first quarter of a year. The Audi Group’s sales revenue in the first three months, at € 8,294 million (€ 8,679 million), is just slightly below the high level of the previous year, despite the impact of currency exchange rates.

In order to achieve the company’s ambitious goals, Audi continues to consistently pursue its product initiative in 2008. “We plan to expand our model range substantially to 40 vehicles by 2015. We are investing some two billion euros in our products each year,” Stadler said.

The brand with the four rings unveiled its newest addition at the Beijing Motor Show just held in April: the Audi Q5. This model strengthens the company’s presence in the SUV segment. The Audi TTS and TT TDI – the world’s first series-production sports car to feature a diesel engine – are currently being presented to trade press representatives. The Audi A3 Cabriolet and the new A4 Avant will be available for test-driving at German dealerships within the next few days.

“We will continue to focus very sharply on diesel technology,” Stadler emphasized. “Our TDI will become the cleanest diesel engine in the world this year, thanks to its ultra low emission system. This reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90 percent. With this, we once again demonstrate that efficiency and sportiness are not mutually exclusive.”

The company is aware that the automotive industry will continue to face a growing range of external challenges this year, Stadler said. These include rising prices for raw materials and the development of important trading currencies. And protection of the climate is also a factor. The German automotive industry has done its homework – with Audi at the forefront. Compared with 1990 levels, for example, Audi requires 36 percent less fuel to produce one kW of output, or 1.36 hp. Stadler assured that these developments will be promoted vigorously. Audi will achieve reductions during 2008 of up to 18 percent in various model lines with further innovative optimization of engines. The company is working towards reducing the CO2 emissions of its range by some 20 percent by 2012.

In order to reinforce the brand’s innovative capabilities and to secure Germany’s future as a location for technology, Audi specifically targets high school and university students early on with a wide range of traineeship programs – and offers secure jobs. Audi will hire 800 university graduates this year. Of the new employees, 70 percent will be deployed within Technical Development.

Audi provides 45,000 secure jobs in Germany alone. The success of the company is due above all to the outstanding performance of a highly motivated and qualified team of employees, Stadler said during today’s Annual General Meeting. For the third time, Audi employees participated in the success of the company in the form of a profit-dependent element of their remuneration. During this month, the company distributes € 150 million (€ 81.5 million) to employees. Together with the profit-sharing payment that has been paid out in July for several years now, employees will receive an average of € 5,300 this year in performance-related compensation.

Audi continues to be dedicated to its German locations. “Because here, with the expertise of our employees, we are able to meet our high quality standards. And at the same time we can achieve increases in productivity of up to 10 percent per year,” Stadler said.

With the takeover of full management responsibilities for the plant in Brussels last year, Audi secured the production capacity necessary for the Audi A1 at competitive conditions and covered capacity needs for production of the Audi A3.

Audi has achieved record sales for the twelfth year in a row: In 2007, 964,151 cars were sold (905,188, up 5.7 percent). The Audi Group’s sales revenue grew disproportionately by 7.9 percent to € 33.6 billion (€ 31.1 billion). Profit before tax rose by 49.8 percent to a historic high for the company: € 2,915 million (€ 1,946 million). With an operating profit of € 2,705 million (€ 2,015 million), the brand with the four rings recorded growth of 34.2 percent. The rate of return before tax rose by 6.2 percent to 8.7 percent, and the return on investment grew by 4.4 percent to 18.6 percent.

* Prior-year figures are in parentheses

Source: www.audi.com

VAG: International Engine of the Year Awards 2008: Volkswagen TSIs clean up in a double victory

The winning streak continues: for the third time, Volkswagen's dual charged TSI engines have won the "International Engine of the Year Award" in the category "1 litre to 1.4 litres". It is no coincidence that the 103 kW (140 PS) and 125 kW (170 PS) TSIs, which are charged by both a turbocharger and a supercharger, are among the most efficient petrol engines in the world. The motto for these engines is "maximum dynamics with minimum fuel consumption". And that's also how the jury, comprising 65 journalists from 32 countries, saw it. According to one jury member, "This engine does everything right and fits into the most diverse types of vehicles." Moreover, the new 122 PS TSI took second place in the same category in its first attempt. The "International Engine of the Year Awards 2008" will be presented today in Stuttgart.

Dr Rüdiger Szengel, Head of Petrol Engine Development, accepted the award for Volkswagen commenting, "Our TSI engines have set the standard since their introduction in the performance class of 90 kW to 125 kW. They achieve new levels of economy for petrol engines while providing performance that offers real fun. We take it as a compliment to the entire development team that our TSI has won again in the displacement class to 1.4 litres."

Moreover, an additional award underscores the Volkswagen Group's great competence in building engines. Audi took first place in the category 1.8 litres to 2.0 litres with the 2.0 TSI. This engine made its debut at Volkswagen in the Golf GTI and is presently finding use in several performance versions.

TSI engines are already powering diverse models in ten Volkswagen families. The petrol direct injection engines between 90 kW (122 PS) and 169 kW (230 PS) cover the entire range from Golf to the recently introduced Passat CC. What's more, the new Scirocco will be off to a running start in 2008 with TSI engines. In the 122 PS version, it requires only 6.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, making it one of the world's most economical sports cars.

Source: www.volkswagengroup.com

Audi: Audi 2.0 TFSI wins “International Engine of the Year” Award for 2008

A specialist jury made up of 65 respected automotive journalists from 32 countries has voted the 2.0 TFSI winner of the 1.8-litre to 2-litre category at the International Engine of the Year Awards for the fourth year in a row.

International Engine of the Year jury members felt that the Audi-developed 2.0 TFSI engine is „the benchmark for efficiency and performance in its category” and “a great example of an engine that’s so flexible it can deliver the right solutions for a variety of different vehicles”.

Audi was the first manufacturer in the world to combine petrol direct injection with turbocharging in volume production. The 2.0 TFSI embarked on its success story in 2004, when it was first fitted to the Audi A3 Sportback. Since then, more than a million 2.0 TFSI engines have been ordered by customers in a variety of models.

The latest and most powerful version of this award-winning engine is fitted to the new Audi TTS Coupe and Roadster. Developing an awesome 200 kW (272 hp), this engine can catapult a TTS Coupe fitted with the optional S tronic dual-clutch transmission from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 5.2 seconds. Yet it can also deliver an average fuel consumption of 7.9 l/100 km (29.77 mpg US).

The 2.0 TFSI engine is also available in the Audi TT Coupe and Roadster, S3, A4 Cabriolet, and A6 sedan and Avant models in three output versions: 125 kW (170 hp), 147 kW (200 hp) and 195 kW (265 hp).

Source: www.audi.com