Could Audi’s A1 e-tron Plug-in Hybrid Revive the Rotary Engine?
By Laurent J. Masson
The Audi A1, the smallest model wearing the Audi badge, was unveiled last year at the Geneva motor show. As you would expect, the manufacturer had many models on its stand. There were production models and two prototypes: one as a sports version, the other a plug-in hybrid. A year later, Audi has built at least 20 more A1 e-tron plug-in hybrids, which are currently part of a pilot electric mobility project in Munich.
Right now, the driving and charging habits of all 20 drivers are precisely monitored, with Audi predicting that the 12-kWh battery should give a 50-km (31-mile) range. The motor makes 75 kW, allowing 0-to-62-mph acceleration in 10.2 seconds. We should note that Audi doesn’t seem to be overestimating the car’s range on electric power—31 miles from a 12-kWh battery seems very realistic. Some drivers may even get more.
The configuration of the car is quite remarkable. Audi could have done it as a pure electric car, but it didn’t. It would have been an easy choice to use a 20-kWh battery pack, but the German engineers chose a 12-kWh pack with a small internal combustion engine behind it. That creates a bit of a problem since the A1 is a small car, only 155 inches long. The Chevy Volt is a packaging marvel with both its electric motor and internal combustion engine (ICE) under its front hood, but it would be impossible to use that same architecture in the smaller A1.
The engineers designed an electric propulsion system to power the A1′s front wheels, which fits nicely under the hood, but there was just not enough free space left for an ICE. It had to be placed elsewhere, with the only other conceivable place being below the trunk’s floor.
No production engine from the Volkswagen group’s part bin could fit there, so the engineers had to design a new engine specifically for this purpose. That was undoubtedly a tough decision to make considering the cost to build such an engine―it would have been much cheaper to simply make the A1 pure EV.
Still, the engineers set out to build a plug-in hybrid, and they didn’t hesitate between a diesel or a conventional Otto-cycle ICE. They chose a rotary. You may know those engines from Mazda. They were originally a German-design, from Felix Wankel. Nearly every manufacturer played with the technology in the 1970s—GM even made a Corvette prototype with a rotary—but Mazda was the only one to build them in significant numbers.
Compared to a conventional ICE, a rotary has some of the same virtues as an electric motor. It makes much less vibration, and it can rev at higher speeds, but its poor fuel economy has prevented it from going mainstream. This may change, and the rotary could see a revival in the near future as a range-extender for plug-in electrics, because it has the strong advantage of a very compact size. Viewed from the top, the rotary inside the A1 e-tron has about the same dimensions as a laptop computer.
Audi A7 Named 2012 Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine
Past winners of the coveted title of Automobile Magazine’s Automobile of the Year have been ones that have had dramatic changes, included ground-breaking technology, or some sort of spectacular upgrade from its predecessor. This year, for the 2012 Automobile of the Year, it is not the case. Rather, the Audi A7 is a representation of what consumers have come to expect from the brand. Audi has been building attractive, fast, and rewarding luxury cars for some time now. Anchored by Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive, bristling state-of-the-art technologies, and surrounding its passengers with an artfully crafted interior, the A7 is exactly in keeping with the cars the Audi has been turning out. As editor-in-chief, Jean Jennings says, “It’s the culmination of everything Audi has promised.”
The Audi A7 may not taut a list of major new technologies, but the list of leading-edge features are impressive. Using a touchpad, input into the navigation system can be made by drawing them with your finger, which requires less eyes-away-from-the-road than traditional methods. Google Earth imagery is also incorporated and the car functions as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. LED front accent lighting–which was pioneered by Audi–is standard, and full-LED active headlamps are also available. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system is more than a safety feature, as the rear torque bias provides the sportier, more responsive cornering of a rear-wheel drive car with the ability to put more power to the ground.
The A7 isn’t a dramatic upgrade from its predecessor, because it didn’t have one! You’ll find it positioned in the lineup between the A6 and the A8 sedans, the A7 is actually something new from Audi. It’s the latest “couped” sedan that has perfect proportions and an eye-catching style that boasts sophistication. Dynamically, its a delight with an enviable ride/handling balance. It certainly is a large car, but you wouldn’t know it from behind the wheel. The sports suspension (part of the S Line package) strikes a nearly ideals balance between ride comfort and limiting body roll. As associate editor, Eric Tingwall, pointed out, “Whether it’s commuting, being driven hard, or touring, the A7 can please any driver.”
The A7 is powered by a 3.0-liter TFSI supercharged V6 that delivers 310 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque at just 2,900 rpm. The use of direct injection and force feeding the engine with fresh air spreads the power over a very broad range, which enables the A7 to hustle from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds. But best of all, performance comes with healthy fuel consumption, nursing a gallon of premium over 28 highway miles. Overall, what stands out most in the A7 is the fact that excellence in any one area does not come at the expense of its competence in any other. Mesmerizing to look at and seductive to drive, the Audi A7 is a car to aspire to — and an entirely worthy Automobile Car of the Year.
Drop by Pacific Audi today to see the 2012 Audi A7 as it’s definitely a car that you’ll want to experience in person.
Audi A1 Launch with mind-blowing 3D Projection Show
Thanks to SimplyZesty.com for this…
When it comes to car launches, all the big companies always try and outdo each other in terms of glitz and glamour, but it looks like Audi could have won the competition this year with this stunning 3D projection. With the car wrapped in tarpaulin, an audience was treated to a spectacular display that made it seem as if the car was moving while flicking through all the different models available. Very innovative!
2012 Audi A6–The Road is Now An Intelligent Place
The statistics are shocking. 38 million drivers on the road today would not pass their state or provincial driver’s exam, and across North America, drivers encounter 100,000 miles of crumbling highways and bridges. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood revealed earlier this year that a third of drivers under the age of 30 admitted to texting while driving. Audi has announced that the campaign for the 2012 Audi A6 centers on the mission to make the road a more intelligent place by calling attention to these issues and galvanizing enthusiasts to take action.
“The industry-leading technology in the all-new A6 is specifically engineered to analyze the road, anticipate situations for the driver, prepare for incidents and most importantly, enhance the driver’s experience, making the A6 one of the most intelligent cars on the road today,” said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer of Audi of America. “The American road is a challenging place.”
In a related effort to raise awareness of today’s road conditions, Audi partnered with the SENSEable City Lab to develop the Road Frustration Index (RFI). Using a blend of historical and real-time data, the RFI features real-time snapshot of North American roads, taking into account traffic patterns, infrastructure quality, weather patterns, driver behavior (behaviour), social media comments about driving and more. The data is measured, weighted and compiled into an overall “index” for major cities throughout North America. Individuals will be able to find the RFI for their community and compare it to that of their friends. To view the RFI, go to www.roadintel.com.
The 2012 A6 is one of Audi’s most innovative and technologically-advanced models to date, making 2,000 decisions per second to assist the driver. Safety in the all-new Audi A6 is enhanced by a thermal imaging camera with Night Vision Assistant to highlight pedestrians it detects in front of the vehicle, as well as the Audi Pre-Sense Plus safety system that is able to minimize accidents by warning the driver and applying the brakes with increasing force in an emergency. Other intelligent features include heads-up display, which projects navigation data as a hologram that hovers over the windshield, allowing the driver to see important driving information in real time without having to divert attention from the road.
Audi is the first company worldwide to incorporate Google Earth into its MMI® Navigation system, which combines 3D terrain models with aerial views and a detailed street network to calculate routes seamlessly. The A6 also features a MMI touch pad that recognizes handwriting in multiple languages, allowing drivers to perform a number of functions without taking their eyes off the road, as well as factory-installed wireless internet, enabling features such as Audi connect™ for real-time weather, traffic, news and live fuel prices.
The Audi A6 boasts an all-aluminum Audi 3.0 TFSI® supercharged V6 engine with 310 horsepower. The aluminum-hybrid construction of the A6 drastically reduces the vehicle’s weight, improves handling and allows for less fuel consumption. Exclusive to Audi, the A6 also features Drive Select, a system that offers advanced control of the vehicle’s adaptive suspension, dynamic steering, transmission shift characteristics, and engine response. Audi Drive Select offers 27 distinct driving configurations, allowing drivers to configure vehicle drive characteristics exactly to their liking with their choice of Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, or Individual settings.
Continue to follow us on Twitter and check in on our Facebook community, and come in and drive the all-new 2012 Audi A6.
Audi and FX launch short-form original series, ‘Untitled Jersey City Project’
Audi, in association with FX Networks, announces the launch of “Untitled Jersey City Project,” a jointly developed 16-minute short-form original drama featuring the all-new 2012 Audi A6. The first two episodes of “Untitled Jersey City Project” will premiere on Sunday, Sept. 25, and will roll out over four consecutive weeks as eight, two-minute episodes airing during FX’s Sunday primetime movies.
“Audi is excited to partner with FX Networks on this exciting new short-form original series,” said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer of Audi of America. “Since our inception, Audi has embraced creativity, innovation and new ways of thinking. What better way to engage with our progressive audience than through forward-thinking entertainment. .”
Each of the eight installments of “Untitled Jersey City Project,” produced by Audi’s Studio Progress Films to appear as fragments of a television series or film, supplies a piece of a puzzle involving men working for an architectural firm who are hiding a dark secret. The work-in-progress television drama – with story lines centered around fame, power, money and death – is set amidst the fast-developing Jersey City waterfront. A seasoned production team, drawn from the New York independent film world and including director and HBO veteran Daniel Minahan – of ‘True Blood’ and ‘Game of Thrones’ – brings the series a stylized, cinematic look.
The “Untitled Jersey City Project” television experience is extended online at www.untitledjerseycityproject.com, where visitors will have the opportunity to explore the interactive world of Jersey City and find clues to piece together the mysteries from the entertainment concept. Visitors will also be introduced to new storylines and characters, have the opportunity to read work-in-progress screenplays, and engage with the “Untitled Jersey City Project” by offering suggestions for titles of the series.
The short-form series – which was first announced nationwide last weekend in cinema and was teased during the Primetime Emmy® Awards telecast on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011 – features the all-new 2012 Audi A6, one of Audi’s most innovative and technologically-advanced models to date. With premiere safety features including thermal imaging camera with Night Vision Assist, Audi Pre-Sense Plus safety system and head-up display, as well as industry-leading technology such as MMI® Navigation with Google Earth, MMI touch pad and factory-installed wireless internet that enables features such as Audi connect™ for real-time weather, traffic, news and live fuel prices, the A6 was engineered to combat today’s road while enhancing driver safety and enjoyment.
Audi A8 GT Spyder: Delivers Breathtaking Performance and Aggressive Power
For all you fans who have been waiting for the open-top version of the R8 GT coupe, your wait if finally over. Audi has released the R8 GT Spyder and you better get in line quick. Production is limited to 333 units and each car will come with a tag with its individual number on the gear level knob. This version of the high-performance sports car puts out 560 hp (412 kW) and thanks to Audi ultra technology, has managed to trim a full 187.39 lb (85 kg) from an already low weight. The Audi R8 GT Spyder accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 196.97 mph (317 km/h).
A key factor to its superior performance is its weight, or lack thereof. Thanks to Audi’s ultra lightweight technology, the R8 GT Spyder weighs just 3,615.58 lb (1,640 kg) which is 187.39 lb (85 kg) less than its technical basis, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. The Audi Space Frame (ASF) body that consists of cast nodes, extruded sections and aluminum panels, accounts for just 471.79 lb (214 kg) of the total weight. The body is assembled predominantly by hand in the R8 workshop at the Neckarsulm plant. Final assembly of the car takes place in the same way.
Other weight reduction factors include the engine frame that is made of ultra-light magnesium. The long cover over the soft-top compartment and the large side panels at the rear are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) which is also used in the modified front spoiler, the fixed rear spoiler and the new rear bumper. Altogether, these components provide a weight savings of 12.13 lb (5.5 kg.) Audi engineers also trimmed weight from the technical components in the area of the transmission, wheels, and brakes. On the inside, the bucket seats alone, with their chassis of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), saved 69.45 lb (31.5 kg) of weight.
The R8 GT Spyder features a lightweight fabric soft top that is extremely quiet and suitable for highway cruising. It features an electrohydraulic drive that brings the top up or down in 19 seconds, even at speeds of up to 31.07 mph (50 km/h.) The extendible glass rear window is nestled in the bulkhead, separate from the soft top. Integrated in the bulkhead is a rollover protection system comprising of two pretensioned plates.
Now let’s talk about the formidable power that is offered by the newest member of the R8 family. The 5.2-liter V10 with aluminum crankcase draws its fuel from an FSI direct injection system. Dry-sump lubrication ensures a reliable source of oil even under maximum lateral or straight-line acceleration. With its modified electronic management, the long-stroke engine produces 398.28 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque at 6,500 rpm, and its peak output is 560 hp (412 kW.) As previously mentioned, the R8 GT Spyder catapults from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 196.97 mph (317 km/h.)
The R8 GT Spyder comes standard with an automatic six-speed R tronic transmission with two fully automatic modes. In the additional manual mode, the driver can shift gears using the paddles on the steering wheel or by flicking the joystick. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has a strong rear-wheel bias that provides an added measure of traction, stability and cornering speed, giving it a strong lead over the rear-wheel drive competition. The open high-performance sports car has 19-inch wheels, with 235/35s up front and 295/30s in the rear. Large, lightweight carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs decelerate the car with ease.
It is obvious that great attention to detail was also put into the interior of the car as evident by the materials and workmanship. Along with a roomy, two-seater interior that can accommodate 3.53 cu. ft. (100 liters) of cargo, accents include Alcantara upholstery that comes standard where a leather option of fine Nappa quality is available. Audi ultra requires no sacrifice on the part of R8 GT Spyder owners. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, LED tail lights, an automatic air conditioning system, the navigation system plus, an alarm system and the driver information system with a built-in laptimer. Other added features include a sophisticated sound system from Bang & Olufsen and a Bluetooth interface including a seatbelt-mounted microphone to ease carrying on a phone conversation. Options available for the R8 GT Spyder include bucket seats with a carbon-fiber composite chasis, matt CFRP applications and embroidered logos on the seat upholstery.
Follow us on Twitter and join our Facebook community to be one of the first to find out when the Audi R8 GT Spyder will arrive in our showrooms. Or contact us today to advise one of our sales consultants that you want to be notified as soon as it arrives.
Audi Roadside Assistance In The Palm Of Your Hand
It is a well known fact that Audi doesn’t just embrace technology, it looks at technology as a differentiation tool in pulling away from everyone else in the sport luxury segment and becoming the leader of the category. Audi doesn’t look to just be a market leader, but a market maker!
The latest statement in this philosophy is a new roadside assistance application for smartphone users. The application, developed with partner Allstate is available for the three major smartphone platforms, iPhone® as well as for Android® and some BlackBerry® devices.
The app, which is free to download in BlackBerry App World, the Android Market Place or on iTunes®, offers several features. There is complementary 24/7 roadside assistance for four years on all new Audi models, older model Audis would have standard Allstate fees apply, dedicated customer service personnel and a dealer locater function to help you find the nearest Audi dealer with it’s factory certified technicians.
With a few simple steps, the driver can input the type of service required, tire change, tow, dead battery jumpstart, fuel delivery, etc., and using the smartphone’s GPS capabilities, the app pinpoints your location and sends a the request to Audi Roadside Assistance. Once the dispatcher has registered all the information, and help has been sent, the application receives a notification for the details of dispatch, including the name of the company coming to help and an estimated time of arrival.
Customers can learn more at audiusa.com. For BlackBerry users, the Curve and the Bold will be the first devices compatible with the application, other models will follow shortly.
To stay on top off all news and information about Audi and Pacific Audi, make sure you “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. To schedule an appointment to test drive one of the great new Audi’s like the stunning new A7 and A8 or the remarkable Q5, please contact us.
Audi R15 TDI’s Final Run at Sebring
The long racing season for the Audi Sports Team Joest begins in March at the 12 Hours of Sebring. On the agenda for the season that runs up to November are seven races, the Le Mans test weekend and numerous tests with the Audi R15 TDI and the new Audi R18, which does not race at Sebring. In order not to interrupt preparations for the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 11/12, the test and development program with the R18 continues to run in parallel to the opening round of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup 2011 (ILMC) season.
As a result, one car in particular will bid its farewell at the 12 Hours of Sebring, a car that made its debut here two years ago: the Audi R15 TDI. It celebrated its 2009 premier with a victory which was the ninth for Audi in this traditional event in the U.S. state of Florida since 2000.
For this second appearance at Sebring, the diesel racing sports car will be competing under completely different conditions due to the new technical regulations announced by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO.) To comply, Audi has developed the “closed cockpit” R18. Older models like the R15 TDI may only compete in heavily modified forms with greatly restricted engine power. Just how these cars will fare against the new models remains to be seen.
Drastic cuts in technology
The new LMP1 prototype regulations limit engine displacement for new models such as the Audi R18 to 3.7 liters. For older vehicles like the Audi R15 TDI, the 5.5 liter V10 must now draw intake-air restrictors of 33.5 mm diameter—this is 4 mm less than before. At the same time, boost pressure is reduced by 23 percent to 2,000 millibar—2,590 millibar was allowed previously. The fuel tank will only contain 65 rather than 81 liters of diesel and the fuel flow restrictor in the autonomous refuelling tank has also been reduced by 5 mm to 28 mm.
“The drivers felt the engine restrictions very early during the test in Florida. They miss several dozen horsepower,” explains Ralf Jüttner, technical director of Audi Sport Team Joest. “The reduction in tank volume sounds drastic at first, but the engine obviously also consumes less. The slower flow rate from the external tank means that pit stops will certainly not be any shorter despite the smaller fuel tank volume.”
Proven drivers, new partners
The Audi R15 TDI makes its farewell appearance in Florida in the hands of two successful driver lineups; Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas, who won at Sebring in 2008, share the car with start number “1” with Mike Rockenfeller. Dindo Capello, Tom Kristensen, and Allan McNish, the Sebring winners in 2009, drive the number “2” numbered Audi.
Two new corporate partners are also part of the team for the first time at Sebring. Alongside Bosch, Mahle, Michelin, and TAG Heuer, partnering with the Audi sports car program for 2011 are Alpinestars, specialists for motorsport and extreme sports clothing as well as street wear and, the return of familiar face to Audi Sport, lubricant manufacturer, Castrol.
Questions that people will be looking to answer race weekend:
• How fast is the R15 TDI, which should actually be called “R15 plus minus” after being modified to comply with the new regulations?
• Can Audi exploit the reliability of the established R15 TDI around the tough Sebring track with its experienced drivers on board?
• How will the balance differ between the modified 2010 cars, the Audi R15 TDI and new LMP1 models?
The 2011 12 Hours of Sebring race begins at 10:30AM EDT on Saturday March 19th.
Audi S4 Named 2010 Esquire Car of the Year
After 6 months of test drives, Esquire Magazine has overwhelmingly voted the Audi S4 “2010 Esquire Car of the Year.” With its advanced performance and full array of standard features, the S4 was chosen as the year’s most stunning and aggressive, yet attainable, vehicle.
“Over several months and many miles, we drove cars – cars that are the most powerful, most attractive and most thrilling that the auto industry has to offer,” said Esquire Editor-in-Chief David Granger. “While a number of the cars we tested were terrific, the Audi S4 truly deserved top honors. Its rare combination of speed, force, design, and price makes the end result a triumph.”
The 2010 Audi S4 features enhanced performance and technology and improved fuel efficiency with a 3.0T V6 direct injection supercharged engine with 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Using a continuous focus on attention to detail, S4-specific features include distinctive standard S4-embossed heated front sport seats, front/rear bumpers, front grille, wheels, LED taillights and front xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights. Other unique standard features include rear-biased 40/60 quattro(R) all-wheel drive, 18″ wheels, heated front sport seats with S4 logo embossing, stainless steel and carbon fiber interior trim, contrast stitching on steering wheel / shifter / seats, Bluetooth(R), SIRIUS satellite radio, Homelink(R), and iPod(R) Interface.
“The performance-driven 2010 S4 offers an impressive and exciting driving experience with intuitive technology and every-day suitability. We’re thrilled to be recognized by Esquire magazine,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America.
The full review of the S4 will run in Esquire’s October issue, on newsstands September 21st.
Pacific Audi Celebrates The 2011 Audi A8 Arrival With The Best Los Angeles Area Launch Party To Be At
Pacific Audi is pleased to announce the arrival of our highly anticipated 2011 Audi A8 models and invites the public to take part in the best of Audi engineering, technology, performance and luxury. The flagship A8 is the luxury class leader, establishing the benchmark by which all others will now be judged. Simply put, luxury has progressed.
With a long history as a performance-luxury icon, the progressive design, leading edge technology and outstanding capabilities of the A8 have given drivers a front row seat to pure luxury. Now, what was considered by many to be the best-in-class, just became even better. Elements like quattro® all-wheel drive and the lightweight aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF®) are just a few of the hundreds of technologies that make the all-new, completely re-engineered and dramatically restyled A8 the luxury sedan for those with a passion for driving.
The legacy of luxury and performance begins a new chapter with the all-new A8. It represents what’s possible when innovation and attention to detail work in concert. It’s the pinnacle of Audi engineering, luxury and design.
Our launch party on September 11 will include:
• Oktoberfest in September! (Bavarian sausages, Sauerkraut & a variety of German beer)
• Learn about Audi with our Audi Service Clinic
• Meet our team of skilled workers from LAcarGUY body shop
“Without a doubt, this is the vehicle launch party you want to be at. The car is absolutely amazing by all standards and we’re rolling out the carpet for our valued customers and guests”, exclaimed Jeff LaPlant, General Manager of Pacific Audi.
