Electric range of up to 59 kilometers (36.7 mi) in the NEDC (47 kilometers (29.2 mi) in the WLTP cycle), a sporty character, and great everyday usability: Audi is presenting the Q8 with plug-in hybrid drive. The new model closes the last gap in the Q8 range and provides an innovative combination of efficiency and power. The SUV Coupé is available in two performance versions. The Q8 55 TFSI e quattro achieves a system output of 280 kW (381 PS). The Q8 60 TFSI e quattro even achieves a system output of 340 kW (462 PS).

 

Audi is continuing its electrification offensive with the Q8 TFSI e quattro: The SUV Coupé is already the seventh model with plug-in hybrid drive that has been newly introduced on the market since mid-2019. Audi is putting this drive technology completely at the service of the customer: It provides customers with a confident electric driving experience, simple charging management, and a high level of everyday usability. 

The strengths of two worlds: a high-octane TFSI and a powerful electric motor

Like every plug-in hybrid, the Audi Q8 TFSI e quattro combines the power of two worlds. Its combustion engine, the 3.0 TFSI, outputs 250 kW (340 PS) and produces 450 Nm (331.9 lb-ft) of torque. The V6 complies with the latest Euro 6 AP emissions standard. The electric motor is a permanently excited synchronous machine (PSM) with a peak output of 100 kW. The compact electric motor is integrated in the housing of the eight-speed tiptronic. Together with the coupling, which connects the 3.0 TFSI to the drivetrain, it forms what is known as the hybrid module.

The lithium-ion battery is installed under the luggage compartment. It contains 104 prismatic cells of the latest generation that are bundled into 13 modules. Each of these cells with flexible outer skin provides an electrical capacity of 48 Ah, and the battery system has an energy capacity of 17.8 kWh. This is 0.5 kWh more than the battery with which the Q7 TFSI e quattro was first sold in 2019. The Q7 is now also fitted with the battery of the latest generation, which has an increased capacity and is also more compact and around 40 kilograms (88.2 lb) lighter.

Liquid cooling, which forms its own low-temperature circuit, is an important factor for the energy capacity and performance of the battery. If necessary, it can be connected to the coolant circuit for the air conditioning system or coupled with the second low-temperature circuit, which controls the temperature of the electric engine and power electronics. It converts the direct current from the battery into three-phase current to power the electric motor. During recuperation, it feeds direct current back to the battery.

The electric motor and the 3.0 TFSI transmit their forces to an eight-speed tiptronic that shifts quickly and comfortably. Its electric oil pump ensures the supply even when the V6 gasoline engine is deactivated. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system uses a center differential with purely mechanical regulation. During normal driving operation, it distributes 40 percent of the torque to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear; if needed, it can direct the larger share of power to the axle with better traction. Up to 85 percent can be distributed to the front axle and up to 70 percent to the rear axle.

wo output levels: 340 kW (462 PS) and 280 kW (381 PS)

Audi offers the SUV Coupé in two output levels that differ in terms of their boost strategy, for example. In purely electric operation, the more powerful variant, the Q8 60 TFSI e quattro, achieves a range of up to 56 kilometers (34.8 mi) in the NEDC and up to 45 kilometers (28.0 mi) in the WLTP measuring procedure, which determines to which tax category the vehicle is assigned. The Q8 55 TFSI e quattro achieves an electric range of up to 59 kilometers (36.7 mi) in the NEDC and up to 47 kilometers (29.2 mi) in the WLTP. Up to speeds of 135 km/h (83.9 mph) their electric motors can generate the drive alone.

The Q8 60 TFSI e quattro achieves a system output of 340 kW (462 PS) and a system torque of 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft). When both drives deliver their full performance, it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically governed at 240 km/h (149.1 mph). The Q8 55 TFSI e quattro delivers a system output of 280 kW (381 PS) and 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of system torque. It sprints to 62.1 mph in 5.8 seconds, and its top speed is also 240 km/h (149.1 mph).

Intelligent and efficient: hybrid management and the predictive operating strategy

The hybrid management of the Audi Q8 TFSI e quattro** choses the optimum operating strategy for each journey automatically. The SUV Coupé starts in fully electric “EV” mode. At low speed, a loudspeaker located in the right front wheel arch outputs the legally prescribed warning sound (AVAS, Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System). The gasoline engine is activated only when the driver depresses the right-hand pedal, known as the “active accelerator pedal,” beyond a specific level of resistance. If they want to drive on electric power as much as possible, they can select “EV” mode in the central MMI display.

“Hybrid” mode, which is the main operating strategy of the Audi Q8 TFSI e quattro, comprises three operating modes: “Auto,” “Hold,” and “Charge.” In “Auto” mode, the hybrid system selects the optimum drive type automatically: fully electric at low speeds, the TFSI engine at higher speeds, and often a combination of the two. Information from the immediate environment provided by the MMI is taken into account even when navigation is deactivated.

The predictive operating strategy is activated when route guidance is started in the standard MMI navigation plus. Its task is to spread the battery charge over the driving route in an intelligent and efficient way. In addition, the predictive operating strategy can charge the battery in efficient engine run phases in order to be able to run on fully electric power during ineffective phases later on, such as traffic jams or city traffic. On the basis of the large amount of data it uses for this purpose, it develops a long-distance journey plan that is constantly updated using the navigation, environmental, and online traffic data.

In “Hold” mode, the operating strategy pursues a different goal: It keeps the battery’s existing state of charge at the current level with minor deviations. In “Charge” mode, the aim is to charge up the battery as far as possible while driving. This makes sense when the journey ends in an urban area and the last kilometers are to be covered on purely electric power. With the market introduction of the Q8 TFSI e quattro, its sister model, the Q7 TFSI e quattro will also include this mode.

Who brakes wins: up to 80 kW recuperation power

The predictive efficiency assist is an important system in the Q8 with plug-in hybrid drive. When the driver takes their foot off the accelerator pedal, it is decided whether the car switches to freewheeling with deactivated TFSI (“coasting”) or whether it decelerates via the electric motor and thereby recuperates energy. It can regain up to 25 kW of power just by coasting. In addition, the electric motor performs all brake applications up to 0.3 g – the vast majority in everyday driving. The hydraulic wheel brakes are activated in addition only in the case of heavier deceleration processes. The transition is virtually imperceptible; the brake pedal always provides excellent feedback and can be modulated precisely. The Audi Q8 TFSI e quattro achieves up to 80 kW of recuperation power while braking.

When the adaptive cruise assist system (optional) is activated, the predictive efficiency assist becomes active not only during deceleration but also during acceleration. If it is switched off, it provides the driver with prompts that indicate when it would be sensible to take their foot off the right-hand pedal: The driver feels an impulse in the active accelerator pedal and sees information displayed on the head-up display (optional) and the Audi virtual cockpit (standard).

The Q8 TFSI e quattro can be equipped with many state-of-the-art driver assist systems. One of the most important of these systems is the adaptive cruise assist, which can take over the majority of the operations for accelerating, decelerating, and keeping in the lane for the driver over long distances without relieving them of their responsibility. A vehicle safety test performed by Europe’s most important committee, the NCAP consortium, focused on level-2 systems: The Q8 achieved the top score in this practical test.

Up to seven driving profiles: the Audi drive select system

The Audi drive select system also comes as standard in the Audi Q8 TFSI e quattro. It offers a choice of up to seven driving profiles: comfort, efficiency, auto, dynamic, individual, offroad, and allroad (with adaptive air suspension sport, standard in the top-of-the-line version). Audi drive select accesses the characteristics of the 3.0 TFSI, the tiptronic, the air suspension (optional with the Q8 55 TFSI e quattro), and power steering, for example. Depending on the settings, the way in which the different suspension systems work together also changes. For example, if the dynamic profile and the S mode of the tiptronic are activated, the electric motor provides a powerful additional boost as soon as the driver accelerates. When decelerating, freewheeling is blocked in this setting, allowing the drive to always recuperate.

Like all plug-in hybrids from Audi, the Audi Q8 55 TFSI e quattro and the Q8 60 TFSI e quattro impress with a high level of everyday usability. They offer a generous amount of space for five persons, and their luggage compartments with the even loading floor that is easy to load provide a volume of 505 liters (17.8 cu ft) even in the base configuration, which increases to 1,625 liters (57.4 cu ft) when the rear bench seat is folded down. Depending on the equipment, they can pull trailers weighing up to 3.5 metric tons (7716.2 lb) (braked, 12 percent incline). Their quattro drive guarantees decisive advantages in terms of traction.

Extremely convenient: charging at home and on the road

The new plug-in hybrid models come with a charging cable for household and industrial power sockets as standard. With the maximum charging capacity of up to 7.4 kW, an empty battery can be fully charged in around two-and-a-half hours. If desired, customers can procure Volkswagen Naturstrom, which is generated from 100 percent renewable energy sources.

With the myAudi app, customers can use customized services from Audi connect on their smartphones. These services allow them to check the battery and range status, start charging processes, program the charge timer, and view the charge and consumption statistics. The charging stations are listed in both the app and the MMI navigation plus. Another function of the myAudi app is the pre-entry climate control of the interior before starting the journey. Depending on the equipment, the steering wheel and seat heating as well as the seat ventilation can be activated.

In addition to the cable for the garage, the Audi Q8 TFSI e quattro also includes a mode 3 cable for public charging terminals. Upon request, a charging service owned by Audi, the e-tron Charging Service, grants access to 150,000 AC charging points in Europe with just one card.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

 

Even stronger in character, even sportier – with the TT 45 TFSI2, Audi is introducing the new equipment line S line competition plus to the range. Gloss black attachments, large wheels and a fixed rear wing are sure to turn heads. The interior is dominated by Alcantara, leather and contrasting stitching. The sporty heart of the TT 45 TSFI satisfies the latest level of the Euro 6 emission standard and delivers 245 PS and 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque.

 

The Audi TT has been demonstrating its special character ever since its series debut in 1998. In its third generation, which has been on the market since 2014, the compact sports car embodies emotion and dynamism in their pure form. The new “S line competition plus” line now takes this one step further. It is available as a TT 45 TSFI2 with 180 kW (245 PS) and a seven-speed S tronic for both the Coupé and the Roadster. The revised engine meets the latest level of the Euro 6 emissions standard. The variants with quattro drive will be available to order in the first quarter of 2021.

The combination of not one but two equipment packages provides the ingredients for the sporty appearance of the “competition plus” models: The S line exterior package draws attention to the bumpers, the radiator protective grille, the side air inlets, the sill trims and the diffuser insert at the rear with a distinctive style. The black styling package adds to the progressive appearance with attachments in high-gloss black: The Singleframe, air inlets, exterior mirrors, sill trim strips, diffuser insert and a fixed rear wing all look particularly sporty with their dark finish. 
The Audi rings and the exhaust tailpipes also have a black painted finish. With the Roadster, a black hood and a high-gloss black roll-over bar cover complete the look, while dark privacy glazing in the rear is available for the Coupé.

The standard 19-inch wheels in the five-arm polygon design are likewise styled in gloss black, with 20-inch wheels in the 10-Y spoke design available as an option. Behind them, the red-painted brake calipers catch the eye and provide a harmonious contrast. The standard S line sport suspension with dynamic damper tuning lowers the body by 10 mm (0.4 in) and underscores the sporty appearance. On request, LED headlights illuminate the road. In addition to the turbo blue solid paint finish, the customer can choose from the metallic colors tango red, glacier white and chronos gray, which is available for the TT for the first time. Regardless of the paint finish, the Audi rings behind the door are presented in black foil.

Dark tones, specific accents and fine materials: the interior

The interior of the Audi TT 45 TFSI S line competition plus is based on the S line sport package, in which dark tones predominate. The sports seats plus are upholstered with leather and Alcantara in black – or entirely in fine Nappa leather as an option. Embossed S logos in the integrated head restraints and contrasting stitching in express red or ara blue add accents. Elements such as the rings inside the air vents or the trim on the center tunnel are available in tango red (exclusively for the Coupé), turbo blue or slate gray. The lower part of the tunnel and parts of the door trims are upholstered in leather that is further enhanced by contrasting stitching. Thanks to a combination of leather and Alcantara, the flat-bottomed steering wheel sits particularly well in the driver’s hands. Contrasting stitching and a center mark of contrasting color create additional visual highlights in the driver-oriented cockpit.

The driver looks at the standard 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit with variably adjustable display modes for driving and infotainment content. The instrument panel exhibits an engineered grain that was previously reserved for the Audi TTS3. The inlays are made of matt brushed aluminum or alternatively of carbon. An Alcantara cover with S rhombus makes the gear lever knob of the S tronic particularly sophisticated, while the gear gaiter is made from leather.

The Audi TT S line competition plus will be available to order from October on the German market, with deliveries commencing in December. In Germany, prices will start at €47,316.30 (Coupé) or €49,655.80 (Roadster).

 
Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Audi adds a new member to the A3 family: the A3 Sportback 30 g-tron2. Operation with natural gas or biomethane makes the compact model particularly economical and climate-friendly with very low emissions. Like all variants of the new A3 model series, it boasts a sporty design, a digital operating concept and generous standard equipment. Sales in Germany begin in fall 2020 at a base price of €30,705.88.

 

The first A3 Sportback g-tron introduced by Audi in 2014 already featured a sophisticated technology concept. The successor builds on that. Its 1.5 TFSI engine produces 96 kW (131 PS) and generates 200 Nm (147.5 lb-ft) of torque between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm2.Its turbocharger with variable turbine geometry makes optimal use of the exhaust gas energy for early and harmonious torque development. The Miller combustion process provides tremendous consumption advantages during normal driving. With its abbreviated compression phase and long expansion phase, it was designed specifically for operation at partial load.

Operation with the knock-resistant fuel CNG enables a higher 12.5:1 compression ratio compared with the conventional combustion process of the 1.5 TFSI 110 kW (150 PS) and also improves efficiency. The cylinder head, injection system, turbocharger and catalytic converter were modified accordingly for the CNG engine. Before the gas reaches the injector valves, an electronic pressure regulator reduces the pressure from as much as 200 bar, which can prevail in the tanks, to between 5 and 9 bar.

The CNG model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 9.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 211 km/h (131.1 mph). Average NEDC fuel consumption for the four-cylinder is just 3.6 – 3.5 kilograms CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) per 100 kilometers, corresponding to a CO2 equivalent of 99 – 96 grams per kilometer (159.3 – 154.5 g/mi). With full gas tanks, the car has an NEDC range of up to 495 (307.6 mi) kilometers and a WLTP range of up to 445 kilometers (276.5 mi). This is supplemented by the additional range offered by the reserve gasoline tank with a net usable volume of 9 liters (2.4 US gal) mounted in front of the rear axle. Power is transferred to the front wheels via the standard seven-speed S tronic.

The four-cylinder always starts in CNG mode, only injecting slight amounts of gasoline under rare operating conditions. If the pressure in the gas tanks drops below a certain threshold, which varies depending on the current driving state, the engine switches to gasoline mode. The driver does not notice this switch. The fuel level in the tanks and consumption in the respective operating mode are displayed in the digital instrument cluster. The two filler necks are placed under a common fuel flap.

Light and safe: the CNG tanks

Three CNG tanks arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel are located in the rear of the Audi A3 Sportback 30 g-tron. A narrow steel cylinder with a capacity of approximately 4 kilograms of gas is mounted in front of the gasoline tank. Two large tanks, each of which can hold approximately 7 kilograms of CNG, are located beneath the luggage compartment floor. They are made of fiber-composite materials and, in keeping with Audi’s lightweight construction philosophy, each weighs just 26 kilograms (57.3 lb). The inner layer is a gas-tight polyamide vessel. The ultra high-strength outer shell comprises two layers: an inner layer of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and an outer layer of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP). The GFRP layer also has a safety function: It turns a milky white if damaged. A cover likewise made of GFRP protects the tanks against stone impacts or other road influences.

Utmost care is taken during their manufacture. Before the tanks are mounted in the car, they are pressure tested at 300 bar, far above the operating pressure of 200 bar. The vessels withstand a burst pressure of 580 bar, which is also well above the 470 bar required by law. Crash tests requirements are also easily met. 

Powerful advantages: lower costs, lower emissions

The Audi A3 Sportback 30 g-tron is also a leader when it comes to economy, in part because of the favorable tax rate on natural gas and biomethane in Germany until 2026. The emissions balance is similarly positive. Due to the fuel’s high hydrogen content, a CNG automobile emits approximately 20 percent less carbon dioxide than a comparable gasoline model.

There are currently some 850 CNG gas stations in Germany. More than half of them sell biomethane produced entirely from waste, and this number is increasing. With this fuel, driving is nearly climate-neutral. When the fuel is burned in the engine, it only releases as much CO2 as the biomass from which it was produced bound while growing.

The Four Rings brand is helping to further increase the share of sustainable methane in the gas mix by feeding Audi e­gas into the natural gas network. The synthetic fuel is produced at the power-to-gas plant in Werlte from water and carbon dioxide using electricity generated by wind power. Audi sources the CO2 from an adjacent biogas plant that recycles agricultural waste. The power-to-gas plant in Emsland is both a research facility and production site that also serves to stabilize the power grid in light of the increasing share of fluctuating green electricity from wind and solar power generation.

Like all models in the series, the Audi A3 Sportback 30 g-tron combines very fun driving with everyday utility. Beneath its expressive exterior lie many technologies from the full-size class. They can be found in the operating concept and the infotainment, the headlights, the interior and the sporty balanced handling. Depending on the position of the rear seat backs, the luggage compartment has a volume of 280 to 1,100 liters (9.9 to 38.8 cu ft). The loading floor is flush with the loading edge. 

The Audi A3 Sportback 30 g-tron comes standard with the following equipment: LED headlights, digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch touch display, leather-covered multifunction steering wheel and the assistance systems Audi pre sense front, lane departure warning, swerve assist and turn assist. Options include matrix LED headlights with digital daytime running lights, three-zone automatic air conditioning, head-up display, sport seats with integrated head restraints, panoramic glass sunroof and adaptive cruise assist, which supports the driver with longitudinal and lateral guidance. Three exterior and three interior lines, which can be freely combined, provide for a high level of customization. 

Sales of the Audi A3 Sportback 30 g-tron in Germany and other European countries begin in fall 2020. The base price in Germany is €30,705.88. 

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Up to 78 kilometers (48.5 mi) of electric range (NEDC) and 150 kW (204 PS) of system output: Audi presents the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e. The compact plug-in hybrid is locally emissions-free, offers sporty driving performance with high efficiency, and features all the strengths of the new A3 product line. Sales in Germany begin in fall 2020 at a base price of EUR 37,470.92. Customers can claim a total of EUR 6,750 in incentives.

With the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e , Audi is continuing its electrification offensive. The plug-in hybrid models from the A6, A7, A8, Q5, and Q7 product lines have already been introduced on the markets. Now, the compact models are following suit. The Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e, which took up the concept of its successful predecessor, the A3 Sportback e-tron, and further optimized it, will kick things off. A more powerful variant that emphasizes the sporty accents will follow shortly after.

 

TFSI engine plus electric motor: drive, power transmission, and battery

A 1.4 TFSI serves as the combustion engine for the compact plug-in hybrid model. The four-cylinder gasoline engine outputs 110 kW (150 PS) and delivers more than 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque in the range between 1,550 and 3,500 rpm. The electric drive is powered by a permanently excited synchronous machine with an increased power density as compared to its predecessor. It produces 80 kW and 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft) of torque. As with the predecessor, it is integrated in the housing of the six-speed S tronic. However, it is even lighter and more compact.

Together, the 1.4 TFSI and the electric motor deliver a system output of 150 kW (204 PS). When working together with maximum boost, the system torque reaches 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft). The compact plug-in hybrid model sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 7.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 227 km/h (141.1 mph). In the NEDC cycle, it consumes between 1.5 and 1.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (156.8–168.0 US mpg), which corresponds to 34 to 30 grams of CO2 per kilometer (54.7–48.3 g/mi). A six-speed S tronic transfers the torques of the motor and engine to the front axle. The dual-clutch transmission is equipped with an electric oil pump that ensures gear changes and oil supply even when the TFSI is deactivated temporarily. 

The lithium-ion battery is located below the vehicle underbody in the area of the rear sears of the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e. Its 96 prismatic cells store 13.0 kWh of energy, almost 48 percent more than the predecessor model. No changes were made to the high-voltage battery in the package; the progress results from the improved cell chemistry. A separate cooling circuit controls the temperature of the battery. It can also be coupled with the air conditioning system, if necessary. This allows customers to drive on electric power even at higher outside temperatures.

Efficiency takes priority: drive management

The drive management of the compact plug-in hybrid is designed for efficient driving. It always starts electrically, up to a temperature of -28 °C. Drivers can prioritize electric drive with the EV button. It can cover up to 78 kilometers (48.5 mi)(according to the NEDC standard, 67 kilometers (41.6 mi) in the WLTP), that is the majority of everyday journeys, with zero local emissions. That is almost 20 kilometers (12.4 mi) more than the predecessor model. The fully electric top speed is 140 km/h (87.0 mph). At low speeds, the statutory e-sound of what is known as the Acoustic Vehicle Alert System is output.

When the A3 PHEV is in hybrid mode, the two drives divide the work intelligently. Two special modes can be selected via the MMI operating system: “Battery hold” and “Battery charge.” In “hold” mode, the available battery charge is held at the current level. In “charge” mode, as much electricity as possible is supplied to the battery. 

The drive management of the Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e uses a large volume of data that the navigation, sensors, and assist systems supply. In the interest of efficiency, it selects freewheeling with deactivated TFSI in most situations when decelerating, allowing the car to coast.

Dynamic profile and S gear: sporty hybrid experience

To influence the character of the drive, as well as other systems such as power steering and S tronic, drivers can also use the standard Audi drive select system. It offers the driving profiles comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual. 

In the dynamic profile and when the S tronic is set to S gear, the hybrid drive shows off its sporty potential. When the driver puts the pedal to the metal via kickdown, it releases the full boost torque for up to ten seconds. As soon as they take their foot off the accelerator pedal, the electric motor switches to recuperation. The resulting deceleration creates a true one-pedal feeling.

While braking, the electric motor performs the deceleration alone up to around 0.3 g, thereby covering the vast majority of all brake applications in everyday customer driving. The hydraulic wheel brakes only come into play if the driver presses the pedal more forcefully. The transition is almost unnoticeable, and recuperation remains active. While braking, the electric motor can recover up to 40 kW of energy.

The suspension of the Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e combines pleasant ride comfort and a good level of dynamism; the sophisticated four-link rear axle provides an excellent basis for this. The electric brake booster guarantees powerful and spontaneous braking. Specially designed 16-inch alloy wheels come as standard, and Audi delivers 17-inch or 18-inch wheels upon request.

Charging at home and on the road: a full charge in slightly more than four hours

Audi delivers the compact plug-in hybrid with a charging cable for the garage. The A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e charges with a maximum power of 2.9 kW. Then it takes slightly more than four hours to fully recharge a completely empty battery. With the free myAudi app, customers can control the charging times and pre-entry climate control remotely. When outside temperatures are low, electric heating elements warm up the interior, while the electrically powered air conditioning cools the interior down when outside temperatures are high. At public charging terminals, the car charges via what is known as a mode 3 cable. The e-tron Charging Service makes charging on the road particularly convenient. It covers most countries in Europe, and a single card offers access to roughly 150,000 charging points. 

Typically Audi A3: driving pleasure and great everyday utility

The A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e is 4.34 meters (14.5 ft) long and offers great driving pleasure and everyday utility, as is typical for all models of the product line. Its exterior features a sporty and expressive design. Audi offers Matrix LED headlights upon request. Their digital daytime running lights, a pixel array consisting of 15 LED segments, generate an e-shaped light signature – the symbol of the plug-in hybrid drive. 

The progressive design is continued in the interior with a compact shifter, striking door openers, and a large black panel surface in the instrument panel. Seat upholstery made of recycled PET bottles, on which stylish contrasting stitching sets accents, are a new addition to the range. 

Depending on the position of the rear seat backs, the luggage compartment has a volume of 280 to 1,100 liters (9.9 to 38.8 cu ft). An electric tailgate that can be opened and closed easily with a foot motion is available upon request. 

Hybrid-specific functions and displays have been added to the operating concept of the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e. The powermeter in the digital instrument cluster – or in the optional Audi virtual cockpit – displays the system’s output, the status of the drive, the recuperation, the battery’s state of charge, and the range. The central 10.1-inch MMI display shows the energy flows. 

Intelligent and versatile: connectivity and equipment

Like all new A3 models, the compact plug-in hybrid is equipped with the third-generation modular infotainment platform. Its computing power is ten times higher than that of its predecessor, it performs all tasks relating to connectivity with LTE Advanced speed, and it also has an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot. The MMI navigation plus offers flexible and intelligent route guidance with satellite images from Google Earth, predictions on the development of the traffic situation, and 3D models of many major European cities.

The Audi connect online services include the Car-to-X services that draw on the swarm intelligence of the Audi fleet. They output warnings regarding hazards and can find parking spots on the roadside in selected cities. The car is connected to the user’s smartphone via the myAudi app, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto. The Audi phone box connects the vehicle’s antenna to the device and charges it inductively. The Audi connect key allows the user to lock and unlock the car and to start the engine via an Android smartphone.

There is an extensive range of standard equipment. Aside from the features mentioned above, it also includes LED headlights, a leather multifunction steering wheel, and a two-zone automatic air conditioning system. A head-up display, sport seats with integrated head restraints, and a panoramic glass sunroof are available upon request. The assist systems Audi pre sense front, lane departure warning, turn assist, and swerve assist are standard equipment. The adaptive cruise assist plays a main role among the optional systems, as it assists the driver in many situations while steering, accelerating, and braking.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Audi is a founding partner of Nico Rosberg’s GREENTECH FESTIVAL. Under the motto “A story about tomorrow,” the company is showing how it is striving to achieve its self-defined vision of net CO2 neutrality by 2050. The company is taking measures along the entire value chain in pursuit of this goal. In addition, the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept show car is making its show debut at the festival. It provides a tangible look at the brand’s first electric car in the compact segment and is the gateway to the world of premium electric mobility. Strategic partnerships with Climeworks and the Audi Environmental Foundation underscore Audi’s efforts to help achieve the Paris climate goals.

 

The GREENTECH FESTIVAL is being held for the second time in Berlin. It will be conducted for the first time as a hybrid event to comply with the prevailing hygiene and distancing rules. The two-day conference (September 17–18) with numerous discussion panels will be supplemented by deep dive sessions designed specifically for online viewers. These are detailed presentations of elected initiatives and projects for more sustainability and climate protection, and will be available online afterward to those who register on the festival’s website. Henrik Wenders, SVP Audi Brand, will join representatives from the Boston Consulting Group and Hyundai Motor Europe on the Mobility panel (September 17, 1–1:20 p.m.) to discuss ways to a more sustainable industry. As a founding partner, Audi is presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award Friday evening (September 18), which honors disruptive ideas and innovations to combat climate change. Audi is showcasing the following topics on the show floor:

The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron

Audi presents the second model in the Q4 e-tron product line: The Q4 Sportback e-tron concept provides a very tangible look at the second electric model in the compact segment, which Audi is putting into production next year. The coupe variant features not just a dynamic and elegant design, but also diverse efficiency technologies to optimize range, from the low drag of the Sportback silhouette to sophisticated recuperation. The complex thermal management of the drive and battery, which includes a CO2 heat pump, reduces electricity consumption in everyday use. As is typical for an Audi SUV, the concept car is equipped with quattro all-wheel drive. The concept car also boasts substantial range. At more than 450 kilometers (279.6 mi) according to the WLTP standard, the Q4 Sportback e-tron concept sets a high bar for its vehicle class. Production variants with rear-wheel drive are even expected to achieve over 500 kilometers (310.7 mi).

Decarbonization of the supply chain: The Audi CO2 program 

The systematic electrification of our models means that a major portion of CO2 emissions in the future will occur in the supply chain. The production of high-voltage batteries, in particular, is very energy intensive. Audi therefore launched the CO2 program in 2018 and conducts regular workshops with suppliers to identify and exploit savings potential. The use of green energy, innovative recycling concepts and the use of secondary material all harbor great potential. For example, Audi manages aluminum in a closed loop. The aluminum closed loop shows how the use of precious primary raw materials can be avoided intelligently. Audi is presenting these and other innovative procurement approaches together with the Mission:Zero environmental program in an online deep dive session.

Environmental protection within production: Mission:Zero from Audi

Audi bundles all activities and measures for reducing the ecological footprint at its sites worldwide in Production and Logistics in the Mission:Zero environmental program. The focus is on Audi’s key challenges of decarbonization, water use, resource efficiency, and biodiversity. A central goal is for Audi to achieve net CO2-neutral operation of all its production sites by 2025. Audi Brussels, where the models in the Audi e-tron1 product line roll off the assembly line, already achieved this goal in 2018. Audi Hungaria will follow this year.

Potent partners for clean air: Collaboration with Climeworks

The Swiss company Climeworks is building the world’s largest direct air capture and storage facility for converting atmospheric CO2 to rock in Iceland. Audi is partnering with the Zurich-based environmental startup and promoting a future technology with the project. The facility will filter 4,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the air and mineralize it underground. Climeworks is removing 1,000 metric tons thereof from the atmosphere on behalf of Audi. The two partners are presenting detailed information about the technology at their stand. A deep dive session rounds out their presence at the festival.

Greenovation: Audi Environmental Foundation sponsorship projects

The nonprofit startup Nunam procures discarded laptop batteries from scrap dealers in the Indian state of Karnataka and uses their battery cells for stationary energy storage systems. These second life power banks can supply electricity to items that consume small amounts of power such as smartphones, fans or lamps. Experience to date shows that old laptop batteries have an average remaining capacity of around two-thirds. Co-founder Prodip Chatterjee and the Audi Environmental Foundation will be explaining their future plans and displaying various prototypes at their stand.

 
Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

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