Audi R18 e-tron quattro Hybrid Le Mans Prototype

Audi has unveiled the new R18 e-tron quattro racer. which will make its debut on May 5th in the 6-hour World Endurance Championship (WEC) race at Spa-Francorchamps and onward to the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 16/17.

The R18 e-tron quattro will unite two major technologies in order to create a new type of drive by combining their highly-efficient TDI engine with a hybrid system.

The diesel engine in this car is tiny compared to the previous car’s engine. It’s a V6 TDI power plant producing 375 kW (510 hp) which powers the rear wheels. Kinetic energy is then recovered on the front axle during the braking phase. It is fed as electric into a flywheel accumulator before being retrieved under acceleration again above a speed of 120 km/h. During this procedure only the front axle is integrated.

Audi Sport developed the Audi R18 ultra in parallel to the Audi R18 e-tron quattro and the 2012 model year Audi R18 is built with and without hybrid drive. The trick: the base of both cars is completely identical, which is why the additional logistical effort is kept limited for Audi Sport and the race team.

The R18 e-tron, which will also race in the new FIA World Endurance Championship, becomes a four-wheel-drive car within certain limits laid down in the Le Mans rulebook. The regulations allow 500kJ (approximately 70bhp) of stored energy to be transfered to the wheels between two braking 'events' at speeds above 120km/h (75mph).




Press Release

Audi brings the quattro back to the race track

• World premiere in Munich: the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro

• Four-wheel driven diesel hybrid for the 24 Hours of Le Mans

• Audi ultra lightweight as base for the application of hybrid technology

Motor sport is used yet again by AUDI AG to pioneer new technology: the brand with the four ring's new Le Mans race car is the world's first LMP1 car to combine a highly-efficient TDI with a hybrid system. quattro drive also celebrates its comeback to the race track with the prototype - in a entirely new form.

Audi R18 e-tron quattro is the name of the new Le Mans prototype that makes its race debut on May 5 in the 6-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) and fights for overall victory at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans (France) on June 16/17. Audi unites two technologies in a fascinating way to create a new type of drive, which is also already being tested for future use in production cars: e-tron quattro.

Hiding behind this description is the next generation four-wheel drive with which Audi combines the advantages of the proven quattro drive with the potential of electromobility. To this end one vehicle axle is powered conventionally, the second by electric motors.

"Audi has always consciously selected championships and categories in racing that have a close relationship to production and therefore have technical relevance for the Audi customers," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, who personally drove the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro onto the stage on Wednesday evening during its world premiere in the Audi Training Center at Munich airport - electrically and almost silent. "quattro, TFSI and TDI are three excellent examples of how motorsport has stimulated production development. A similar tendency is apparent with the e-tron quattro: we test a completely new technology on the race track before it's introduced to the Audi production line."

On the Audi R18 e-tron quattro kinetic energy is recovered on the front axle during the braking phase. It is fed as electric into a flywheel accumulator before being retrieved under acceleration again above a speed of 120 km/h. During this procedure only the front axle is integrated. The V6 TDI power plant producing 375 kW (510 hp) continues to transmit its power to the rear wheels. Both systems complement each other to create the new drive principle e-tron quattro.

Project began in February 2010

The project e-tron quattro for motorsport started in February 2010. Only 18 months passed from the initial conceptual ideas to the first test. "This is a relatively short cycle for a technology that has never been tested in motorsport and which still doesn't even exist in production," stresses Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Technology at Audi Sport. "The challenge is correspondingly big."

Audi Sport developed the Audi R18 ultra in parallel to the Audi R18 e-tron quattro - because Audi takes a two-pronged approach this year in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the newly created FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) - the 2012 model year Audi R18 is built with and without hybrid drive. The trick: the base of both cars is completely identical, which is why the additional logistical effort is kept limited for Audi Sport and the race team.

"The TDI engine invented by Audi is still the most efficient drive in the world," says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "We are convinced that the TDI has even more potential. This is why Audi not only supports the hybrid in motorsport as it does in production, but in parallel also the further development of the conventional drive."

Innovation in transmission area

The R18 e-tron quattro's twin brother more than lives up to its model name ‘R18 ultra': it is the lightest Le Mans prototype that Audi Sport has ever built. To compensate for the additional weight of the hybrid system the subject of lightweight design and construction was the focus throughout development of the 2011 Le Mans race winning R18 TDI. In addition to the many detail optimizations there is also a genuine innovation in the transmission area: a new gearbox with a carbon-fiber composite housing was developed for the R18 - a premiere for endurance racing.

"The new R18 ultra is a distinct evolution of last year's Le Mans race winning car," summarizes Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "Our drivers' impressions were very positive from the first moment. Without the weight optimized R18 ultra we would have not been capable of realizing the R18 e-tron quattro which is absolutely identical with the exception of the hybrid system."

Le Mans 2012: two R18 e-tron quattro and two R18 ultra

Audi Sport Team Joest will field two R18 e-tron quattro and two R18 ultra prototypes in the Le Mans 24 Hours on June 16/17. The two hybrid cars are driven by last year's winning trio Marcel Fässler (CH), André Lotterer (D) and Benoît Tréluyer (F) as well as Dindo Capello (I), Tom Kristensen (DK) and Allan McNish (GB) who boast a total of 13 Le Mans wins between them. New signing Loïc Duval (F) starts together with Timo Bernhard (D) and Romain Dumas (F) in an R18 ultra as do Marco Bonanomi (I), Oliver Jarvis (GB) and Mike Rockenfeller (D).

Audi Sport Team Joest also contests the World Championship round at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) on May 5 in the same formation. At the same time the race doubles as a dress rehearsal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only Mike Rockenfeller will miss this race due to a clashing date with the DTM.

After the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Audi plans to enter an R18 e-tron quattro and an R18 ultra in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). André Lotterer and Allan McNish have been nominated as the drivers so far.

At the World Championship opener at Sebring (USA) on March 17, Audi Sport Team Joest relies on the proven R18 TDI from last year, which are driven by Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer, Dindo Capello/Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish as well as Timo Bernhard/Romain Dumas/Loïc Duval.

Audi R8 GT Spyder US Price

Audi announces pricing for the 2012 R8 GT Spyder limited edition. The all-wheel-drive, Lamborghini-V10-sporting convertible will sticker for $211,200 with destination. Only 333 examples will be built, with just 50 coming to the United States. Audi built the same number of hardtop GTs, with 90 coming stateside.

The new 2011 Audi R8 GT Spyder follows the identical recipe featuring a extra powerful V10 engine and a lighter body.The open-air model rides on a tweaked suspension with aluminium double wishbones, and comes with new set of 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/35 tires up front and 295/30 tires on the rear.

Power comes from a 5.2-liter V10 engine which produces 560 PS (412 kW / 552 hp) and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the model - which weighs 187 lbs (85 kg) less than the standard R8 V10 Spyder - to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 197 mph (317 mph).

The black interior can be decked out with stitching in the buyer’s choice of Titanium Gray or Crimson Red. Alcantara is used for seat inserts, the flat-bottom sport steering wheel, hand brake cover and to frame the windshield.

The 2012 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the limited-edition R8 GT Spyder is MSRP $210,000 (excludes $1,200 Destination and Delivery and Taxes).




Press Release

Audi Announces Pricing for the Limited-Edition 2012 Model Year R8 GT Spyder

The recently introduced Audi R8 GT Spyder is a hand-built, limited production vehicle with just 333 units produced world-wide and 50 units coming to the U.S. Similar to the R8 GT Coupe unveiled last year, each car will be uniquely distinguished with an individual vehicle number displayed on the gear shift.

The 2012 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the limited-edition R8 GT Spyder is as follows:

MSRP $210,000 (excludes $1,200 Destination and Delivery and Taxes)

Even lighter, more powerful and captivating, the Audi R8 GT Spyder delivers breathtaking performance. The open-top flagship version of the high-performance sports Coupe features a 5.2-liter V10 with direct injection and has been boosted to an output of 560 horsepower. With the reduced weight and increased engine performance, the R8 GT Spyder accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of
197 mph.

Using the principles of Audi ultra lightweight technology, the R8 GT Spyder has trimmed a full 187.39 lbs from an already low weight, increasing fuel economy, performance, strength and rigidity. The engine frame is constructed of ultra-light magnesium, and the long cover over the soft-top compartment and the large side panels at the rear are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. A fixed rear spoiler also made of carbon fiber composite provides the necessary downforce on the rear axle. The Audi R8 GT Spyder is capable of extreme lateral acceleration and engineered to deliver exceptional responsiveness through its sport suspension has a stiffer calibration and lowers the the R8 GT Spyder by ten millimeters versus the R8 V10 Spyder.Legendary quattro all-wheel drive system provides exceptional grip on 19 inch wheels and xyz ventilated and cross-drilled rotors provide exceptional stopping power.

Visual styling cues include a performance enhancing enlarged diffuser, front splitter and a fixed rear spoiler.

The interior is black and can be adorned with stitching in a choice of Titanium Gray or Crimson Red for added refinement. Alcantara applications include, seat inserts, flat-bottom sport steering wheel, hand brake cover and windshield frame.

R8 GT Spyder customer vehicle deliveries will begin as of February.

R8 GT Spyder Standard Features | Highlights:
- 5.2L 10-cylinder, gasoline engine, aluminum block
- quattro® all-wheel-drive
- Exterior mirrors: power adjustable, heated Front Airbags: Driver and passenger full-size dual-stage front airbags and knee airbags
- Side airbags: Driver and passenger seat mounted head and thorax airbags
- Front disc brakes: 8-Piston calipers, perforated, internally vented
- Rear disc brakes: 4-Piston calipers, perforated, internally vented
- LED headlights and daytime running lights
- Sport seats, heated, 10-way power with 4-way power lumbar
- Audi navigation system plus, 6-disc CD changer, Sirius Satellite Radio, Aux-in jack with 7 speakers and 5-channel amplifier with a total output of 140 Watts
- Preparation for mobile phone (Bluetooth®) with seatbelt microphone

R8 GT Specific Standard Features | Highlights:
- 19" R8 GT wheels with summer performance tires
- R tronic ®, 6-speed sequential gearbox with shift-by-wire technology and sports mode
- R8 GT specific sport suspension system
- R8 GT specific carbon fiber matte exterior mirrors
- R8 GT specific LED tail lights
- R8 GT specific aluminum door sill inserts
- R8 GT specific steering wheel
- R8 GT specific sport seats in Alcantara and leather
- R8 GT specific carbon fiber matte interior inlays (monoposto and interior door handles)
- R8 GT specific numbered aluminum gear knob
- Windshield frame in Alcantara

Optional Equipment | Highlights:
- Audi navigation system plus with Audi music interface w/ iPod® cable (replaces 6-disc CD changer)
- Audi Carbon Ceramic Brakes
- Bang & Olufsen Sound System (12 speakers 495 watt)
- Titanium Finish 19" 5-arm-double-spoke-design aluminum alloy wheels with summer performance tires
- Forged Aluminum 19" 5-twin-spoke-Y-design in matte silver look with summer performance tires
- Carbon fiber matte door and center console panels
- Windscreen Frame in Fine Nappa Leather (interior)

Audi celebrates 10 million midsize cars【Video】

Audi announced that it has reached a significant production landmark - the ten millionth midsize car,

The 10 millionth unit was a Misano Red Audi S4 with a black and alabaster-white interior and a 333-horsepower V6 engine was the lucky car to represent four generations of both the Audi 80 and Audi A4 since 1972.

The A4 is currently in its fourth generation and is known internally as the B8, which incidentally represents a continuation of the Audi 80 lineage. Thus the first A4 was designated as the B5-series, followed by the B6, B7, and the current B8.





Press Release

Audi A4 and Audi 80 - Audi celebrates its ten millionth midsize car

• Production landmark is a Misano Red Audi S4

• Board Member for Production Frank Dreves: "We're very proud of this accomplishment"

• Four generations of both Audi 80 and Audi A4 since 1972

The models in Audi's midsize class - the Audi A4 and its predecessor, the Audi 80 - constitute the heart of the brand. The company recently celebrated a true milestone in production. In early October, the ten millionth midsize Audi rolled off the assembly line: a Misano Red Audi S4 with a black and alabaster-white interior and a V6 engine generating 245 kW (333 hp) of output.

"Ten million midsize vehicles is an achievement which makes us thrilled and proud," says Frank Dreves, Board Member for Production at AUDI AG. "Thanks to its sophisticated technology and excellent quality, the Audi A4 is our bestseller - winning over customers in every market since it was launched. With our strong team and our effective Audi production system, we will continue writing this success story, especially as a modified version of the Audi A4 will soon be launched."

Audi has been producing the A4 model family at its Ingolstadt site since 1994 and, since 2007, via the "production turntable" in Neckarsulm, as well. The Audi A4 sedan, the A4 Avant, the A4 allroad quattro, the S4 sedan, and the S4 Avant roll off the assembly line in Ingolstadt. A certain number of A4 sedan models are produced at the Neckarsulm site.

"The Audi A4 family ensures that capacity utilization will remain high in the long term at our key plants in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm - and therefore ensures job security," explains Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council at AUDI AG. He adds: "This success was made possible in large part by our Production colleagues, who utilize their extensive expertise, relentless devotion to top quality, and considerable commitment to build the Audi A4."

Peter Kössler, Plant Manager in Ingolstadt, emphasizes: "The success story of the Audi A4 could not have been written here without the productivity and motivation of our Ingolstadt team. Work in Production becomes more complex all the time. We master this challenge by means of our streamlined processes and the expertise of our top team."

Midsize Audi models are proven champions - and have been for 39 years. Right from the very first Audi 80, launched in 1972, the brand with the four rings set new standards in lightweight design, performance, and agility. Four generations of the Audi 80 had been produced by 1994-95, when it was replaced by the Audi A4 - which is currently in its fourth generation. The five millionth Audi A4 left the factory in March 2011.

The extensive changes made recently make the Audi A4 more appealing than ever before. The sedan, the Avant, the allroad quattro, and the S4 models now feature technologies which make them even more efficient and sporty - regarding the engines, chassis, and infotainment. New design modifications lend visible expression to progress.

Midsize vehicles have always played the leading role at Audi - and not just in terms of volume. Over the course of 39 years, they have embodied monumental innovations. The quattro drivetrain with a self-locking differential, fully galvanized vehicle bodies, S tronic, and the sport differential have demonstrated, time and again, Audi's commitment to Vorsprung durch Technik. The brand offered the Audi duo - a hybrid model based on the Audi A4 Avant - as long ago as 1997.

Midsize Audi cars have displayed excellence in motorsport, as well. The midsize class is namely home to legendary rallye vehicles - the Audi Rallye quattro and the Audi Sport quattro - as well as superior circuit racing cars such as the Audi 90 quattro IMSA-GTO, the Audi 80 Competition, the Audi A4 quattro (STW), and the Audi A4 DTM. Audi's midsize class has always been ahead of the competition.

Audi SR 8 by Hofele-Design

Hofele Design has releases their new tuning package for the Audi A8

The new body kit consists of a new front bumper inspired by the Audi RS5, a rear apron with diffuser, a four-tube sports muffler and a rear trunk spoiler. The diffuser can either be painted in the cars colour, a contrasting colour, or can be ordered with a layer of real carbon.

Hofele has also dropped the car on big 22-inch wheels. They are also available in 20 and 21-inch size. The electronic suspension module is adjustable up to speed of 70 km/h.

Under the bonnet, the 4.2-liter V8 FSI petrol engine is tuned from 372 hp to 390 hp and the 4.2-liter TDI CR diesel is tuned from 350 hp to 390 hp.

Inside, the cabin is revised with different premium materials such as smooth and rough leather or Alcantara. There’s also Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel as well as leather wrapped door panels.




Press Release

Sportive suit for the Audi A8 D4 „SR 8"

The new Audi A8 „SR 8" by Hofele Design is elegant and sportive at the same time.
Perfectly balanced aerodynamics combined with exclusive and individual design convert the well-behaved limousine into a very special sports car dressed with a dynamic, sportive suit.

The new body kit shows how an original „RS8" made by Audi might look like.

Sportive design
With this body kit Hofele-Design transforms the Audi A8 D4 into the sportive dynamic
„SR 8." The new body kit consists of a complete front bumper with original "RS5 mesh inserts, a rear apron with diffuser, a 4-tube sports muffler and a rear trunk spoiler. The front bumper has big air intakes which supply the intercoolers with more air. The newly shaped rear apron is the frame for the removable diffuser. This diffuser surrounds the four tailpipes of the new sports muffler. The sports muffler has an additional airflow and has a sportive sound, especially on cars with Gasoline engine. The diffuser can either be painted in the cars colour or in a contrasting colour like silver or black or can be ordered with a layer of real carbon.

Exclusive highlight
As exclusive highlight, besides the carbon rear diffuser, Hofele-Design also offers carbon mirror housings to spotlight the exclusive & sportive side of this luxury limousine.

Luxury interior
For the inside of the car Hofele-Design offers a bi-colour leather interior. The two-coloured seats have a quilted stripe made of soft nappa leather which crosses the seats in the middle. This wonderful masterpiece is available with special stitching and as a combination of different premium materials like smooth leather, rough leather or Alcantara (ecsaine / ultrasuede). Also available are leather-covered door panels and a steering wheel.

Dynamic appearance
Part of the Hofele program for the Audi A8 D4 is a variety of alloy wheels in the sizes from 9J x 20" up to 10J x 22".

The electronic speed-related lowering module ETS lowers the Audi A8 with air suspension up to 40mm. The system is only active on speeds under 70 km/h, on speeds over 70 km/h the system is deactivated to give the chassis its full comfort and security.

Indulge yourself a bit more driving pleasure with the engine tuning by Hofele-Design. The engine software optimisation reveilles the unused reserves of the strong A8 engines.
The 4.2 V8 FSI Gasoline engine is tuned from 372 PS to 390 PS and the 4.2 TDI CR is tuned from 350 PS to 390 PS and sensational 900 NM. That is some increase of force!

...something special from each different angle!

2011 Frankfurt: Audi Urban Concept【Video】

Audi has officially unveiled the Urban concept. This car is intended to show what the future of small and very fuel-efficient cars for city dwellers might look like.

The lithium-ion battery – weighing in at 90kg and counting for almost 20 per cent of the Urban Concept’s total weight – lives behind the seats and takes about an hour to charge for a range of 45 miles. It takes 16.9 seconds to get to 62mph.

The Audi Urban Concepts weight 480 kilograms (1,058.22 lb) thanks to the lightweight chassis design and the numerous CFRP components, and measure 3,219 millimeters (126.73 in) in length, 1,678 millimeters (66.06 in) width, and just 1,189 millimeters (46.81 in) height.

The 21-inch wheels are free-standing, their surrounding protective arches feature blinking strips of LED lights.

The aircraft-inspired cabin is minimalistic, but features a floating dashboard, aluminum pedals and a hexagonal steering wheel. Occupants sit side by side, but the passenger seat is moved back 30cm (11.81 in) to "provide sufficient shoulder and elbow room."







Press Release

The Audi urban concept

Audi is breaking new ground: The Audi urban concept technology study is a 1+1 vehicle for urban and metropolitan areas. The electric powered show car has four wheels, but does not fit into any current automobile category. Weighing just 480 kilograms (1,058.22 lb), the Audi urban concept combines elements of a racecar, a roadster, a fun car and a city car into a radical new concept. It has the potential to become the trendsetter for a new form of mobility.

Concept
"How much car is necessary to deliver driving pleasure and urban mobility in an entirely new way?" This question was the starting point for the Audi urban concept. A model of a sailplane was in the studio during the development process as an example of lightweight construction, efficiency and reduction - of the principle of "less is more."

The result is a vehicle that cannot be pigeonholed, a vehicle that redefines the term "driving pleasure" and is completely unencumbered by the baggage of conventional concepts. The Audi urban concept concentrates on the pure essence of driving and conveys freedom at the premium level. At the same time, it offers the comfort and safety of a closed automobile, making it far superior to any motor scooter. With its sleek body and free-standing wheels, the technology study is progressive and highly dramatic while at the same time extremely sporty, yet surprisingly comfortable.

The cabin of the Audi urban concept offers slightly offset seating for two. The roof slides back for entry. This innovative solution makes the Audi urban concept even more fun to drive because the canopy can remain open in good weather. It also allows the cabin to be aired out very quickly. The fit and finish of the show car is characterized by the obligatory Audi perfection. The car's technology is reflective of the brand's wide-ranging competence, particularly in ultra-lightweight construction.

The brand with the four rings has created an entirely new class of vehicle with the Audi urban concept, and that on the premium level. It also marks the new entry point to Audi's future range of electric vehicles, which is crowned by the R8 e-tron high-performance sports car. The Audi urban concept quite literally makes it easy to get into electric mobility.

The technology study is targeted toward people who are interested in technology and are enthusiastic about new approaches to mobility, independent of their age and status. In particular, it addresses an urban public whose lifestyle both reflects the car's modern concept and the driving pleasure associated with it and is a good fit for a possible innovative leasing system.

Exterior design
The Audi urban concept features an all-new design that still has certain historical roots in the Auto Union racecars of the 1930s. They were well ahead of their time conceptually: they were extremely lightweight and their engines were mounted in the rear. Their large, open wheels also stood out from the chassis - another parallel with the modern show car.

Painted in Electric White, pearl effect, today's technology study - 3,219 millimeters (126.73 in) long, 1,678 millimeters (66.06 in) wide, but just 1,189 millimeters (46.81 in) high - has a body on which all the lines are surging forward. The greenhouse is extremely flat. The roofline drops down like a wedge while the side window rises upward. The typical Audi tornado line gives the urban concept a strong shoulder.

An upright, forward-leaning blade in front of the rear wheel accentuates the side view. The Speed Red contour gives the appearance of a roll bar and evokes the Audi R8 high-performance sports car. The flanks of the body flare outward toward the bottom to enlarge the floor. This serves two purposes: It generates downforce at higher speeds and it can be used to charge the battery via induction - a particularly convenient method.

The characteristic Audi single-frame grill, which sports the four rings, appears as a closed surface on the Audi urban concept. It tilts forward to provide access to the charging socket. The narrow LED headlights project three-dimensionally from the body.

The turn signals are LED strips running along the fenders. These closely encircle the free-standing wheels, and the front fenders turn with the wheels when steering. The three-dimensional rear lights with the tail light and brake light are integrated into the vehicle body and wrap around the top of the rear window. At the back of the car is a small luggage compartment that pulls out like a drawer.

The front segment of the greenhouse is movable - another innovative idea that is unique to the Audi urban concept. Mounted on rails, it can be slid back by hand over the fixed rear segment.

It is up to the driver to decide whether to close the canopy or leave it open. The technology study is a roadster-on-demand that has neither roll-down windows nor a heavy air conditioner. When closed, the canopy provides protection against rain and cool air. Audi has also developed a second body variant as an alternative to the urban concept: a Spyder with a flat window strip wrapping around the cockpit and doors that open upward at an angle.

Interior
Entry to the Audi urban concept is via the slide-back canopy. The driver and passenger step over the edge of the vehicle as if they were stepping into the bathtub - there are no doors. This does not require any great flexibility; a handle on the windshield frame and special cutouts on the seating surfaces facilitate entry.

The show car offers room for two. The driver and passenger sit next to one another, with the right seat offset by 30 centimeters (11.81 in) to the rear to provide sufficient shoulder and elbow room. The seats are fixed, integral components of the monocoque, which provides for significant weight savings. They are covered with foam seating surfaces custom-fabricated to the measurements of the customer, just like in a racecar. The seat belts run through cutouts in the seat backs.

Sitting in the Audi urban concept is somewhat like sitting in an airplane cockpit. The seating position is very sporty. The driver can precisely adjust the positions of the aluminum pedals and the steering column. Both components are telescoping. The pedals can be moved a total of 22 centimeters (8.66 in), while the steering column can be moved 14 centimeters (5.51 in) for easier entry and additional 6 centimeters (2.36 in) for a custom driving position.

The steering column is exposed - a thick, elegantly designed section, open in the center and mounted virtually horizontally. At the far end of the steering column is a display for the most important information. The small, hexagonal steering wheel includes buttons and roller switches for controlling various systems, including selecting the Audi drive select modes for the electric drive system.

The entire interior of the technology study is subjugated to the strict dictates of ultra-lightweight construction. Running below the windshield across the entire cabin is a wing-shaped section that is also open in the middle. This new style of dashboard includes satellite controls for the heater and two large air vents.

Rather than carpeting, an innovative mat covers parts of the floor. This is made from a technical textile originally developed for athletic shoes that is water repellant and very durable. The seats are covered with cloth, with the edges of the foam pads framed in kangaroo leather. Aluminum applications accentuate the dashboard.

Technology
The Audi urban concept is also without peer with respect to the technical concept. The outer skin of the show car is made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP); the occupant cell is a mix of CFRP monocoque and an aluminum structure. This ultra-lightweight construction is the foundation for the technology study's extremely low curb weight of just 480 kilograms (1,058.22 lb).

The sophisticated chassis underscores the distinctively sporty personality of the Audi urban concept. Wishbones made from a combination of aluminum and CFRP locate the free-standing, 21-inch wheels.

Manufactured using cladding technology, the wheels are very light and feature a variant of the blade design from the Audi e-tron models. The tire sizes are as unusual as the car as a whole - 125/60 up front and 145/50 in the rear.

The Audi urban concept uses pushrod technology borrowed from motorsports. As in a racecar, the struts mounted in the interior of the monocoque are nearly horizontal. Four disc brakes provide the stopping power. The turning circle measures less than nine meters (29.53 ft) - ideal for a city car. Thanks to the vehicle's low weight, the rack-and-pinion steering does not require any power assistance. Crumple zones in the front and rear plus two airbags provide for a high degree of passive safety. An innovative assistance system helps the driver to avoid collisions with pedestrians.

The battery is mounted transversely behind the seats. The lithium-ion battery, which weighs around 90 kilograms (198.42 lb), stores 7.1 kWh of usable energy. The study's two electric motors together produce 15 kW (20 hp) of continuous power and 47 Nm (34.67 lb-ft) of torque. The motors are mounted between the rear wheels, which they drive via a single-speed transmission.

The Audi urban concept accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 16.9 seconds. It reaches 60 km/h (37.28 mph) in around six seconds. The show car steps off from traffic lights smartly thanks to the torque of the electric motors, which is fully available from standstill. Top speed is governed at 100 km/h (62.14 mph).

The action radius in the European driving cycle is 73 km (45.36 miles). The battery recharges completely in about 20 minutes with 400 volt three-phase current, and in approximately one hour with 230 volt household current.

Audi Wireless Charging
Audi is hard at work on the future of charging technology as an alternative to the charging at a power outlet. Audi Wireless Charging (AWC) refers to contactless induction charging. The infrastructure side, comprising a coil and an inverter (AC/AC converter), is placed on the normal parking spot of the Audi urban concept and connected to the power grid. The 3.6 kW primary coil set into the plate generates a high-frequency alternating field.

The charging process begins automatically when the urban concept drives onto the plate. The alternating magnetic field of the infrastructure side induces an alternating current across the air gap in the secondary coil, which is integrated into the vehicle. This current is rectified and fed into the vehicle's electrical system, where it charges the battery or powers consumers such as the heater. The alternating field is only generated if the vehicle is standing over the plate and thus poses no danger to people or animals.

Charging stops automatically when the battery is fully charged. The driver can interrupt charging at any time. The efficiency of AWC is comparable to that of other charging technologies. It is not affected by rain, snow or ice. The new technology makes charging electric vehicles easy and extremely convenient. A later version of the technology will be able to be integrated into the transportation infrastructure as a retrofit for parking garages or residential streets, for example.