Audi Confirms First Hybrid For U.S. Market
by Zach McDonald HybridCars.com
Audi has confirmed that the long-awaited Q5 Hybrid will finally be coming to the United States for 2013, according to a report on Cars.com’s Kicking Tires blog. The compact crossover will be Audi’s first hybrid available for purchase in North America.
Audi’s experiments with hybrids date back to at least 1989, when it showed off the first of three gas-electric “Duo” concepts. But in recent years, the carmaker has had several false starts when it comes to bringing a hybrid model to the United States. First, it was reported in 2008 that a hybrid Q5 would launch alongside the standard model in the U.S. for 2009, but that plan was soon quashed due to falling fuel prices and the carmaker’s dissatisfaction with nickel-metal hydride battery packs. For a while, it looked like Audi had put hybrids on the back burner in favor of it and parent company Volkswagen’s favorite fuel-saving technology, clean diesel.
Why not offer both? Reportedly, Audi’s clean diesel engines perform equally or better than their gas-electric counterparts in European fuel efficiency tests, making the hybrids a tough sell. In the U.S., Audi will remedy this by offering a 3.0L, 6-cylinder diesel Q5 variant and a 4-cylinder hybrid model-the diesel will be tuned for performance and the hybrid for fuel economy.
The Q5 Hybrid will pair the same 211-horsepower, 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine found in the current base model Q5 with a 54-horsepower electric motor, powered by a 1.3 kWh lithium ion battery pack. Combined, the engine and motor output up to 245 horsepower and 354 pounds-feet of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 7 seconds.
Using its parallel hybrid system, the Q5 Hybrid can operate in either electric-only or gas mode, and can accelerate up to 62 mph using its motor alone. For a more sustained electric ride, drivers can expect up to 1.8 miles of electric range when maintaining a steady 37-mph speed.
The Q5 Hybrid gets 34 mpg under the forgiving European test cycle, which would likely point to an American fuel economy rating in the neighborhood of 27 mpg. The standard 4-cylinder 2012 Q5 gets 22 mpg combined under EPA testing, and the forthcoming diesel is expected to be about 10 percent less efficient than its hybrid sibling.
Pricing and an official release date have yet to be announced.
Pacific Audi builds largest Audi Showroom in the world (timelapse)
We will be capturing the construction of our new LEED Certified Audi dealership via time lapse. Here is a sneak at first 7 days. Pacific Audi is a proud member of the LAcarGUY family of dealerships
Why Does Building a “LEED” Building Matter to Your Neighborhood?
Hi everyone…starting today, there will be a new post every two weeks about something related to our new Pacific Audi building, the process of building green, and how it will physically be a positive addition to the neighborhood, and a nicer place to walk into and work in.
First off, we keep using the term LEED. What IS that? Some of you may know, but basically it’s short for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and it’s an independent building certification created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Here in L.A., we have a USGBC-Los Angeles Chapter, and there’s even a new South Bay branch of the Chapter that is getting going, so if you’re interested in getting involved, please do contact the Chapter.
What’s nice about the non-profit USGBC-LA, which promotes sustainability in the built environment, is that anyone can be involved, whether as a green building professional, or green building advocate who wishes to promote sustainable living throughout his/her community in related ways.
So, back to LEED. It provides voluntary guidelines for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. There are various levels of ratings (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum, both for residential and commercial) that are based on hitting a certain number of points. Points are awarded based a number of considerations such as choices of materials, how one positions the building, what is done with any demolition materials, how water will be used, how much energy will be expended/saved in heating and A/C, transportation infrastructure (which may seem funny since we’re a car dealership, but just wait!), landscaping, and even on innovative ideas! Solar is certainly what makes the most headlines, but there are so many cool “inside” elements that are so impactful. Many architects and an increasing number of general contractors and other building pros build to LEED standards, and we’re luck to be working with some of the best, including Sauers Lopez Construction Inc. and Whitfield Associates, Inc. (architect).
What this means to you is that we’ll be striving to be an even better member of the community by providing a smarter and more beautiful building inside and out. In these posts we’ll share with you more about how we’ll be saving energy as well as water, mitigating storm water runoff, increasing the use of trees (most dealerships don’t like trees outside…think about it!) for cooler ground, beauty and shade for everyone, and even “eating” smog.
Green-built buildings in any neighborhood across the globe make a difference:
- they make people stop and take notice of what is happening, ask questions, and learn more about the process which might seem intimidating;
- they become a community destination to check out to see how it works and looks; and
- they can galvanize community support and add to the sense of pride within the community.
Yes, our project is a car dealership—and you might think we’re a little ironic for being excited about our green building that will house and sell…well, cars. But we hope to make a building the community is proud of and enjoys, and that our employees feel better working in. As LAcarGUY’s Mike Sullivan said at the groundbreaking, “This property just mirrors where the [Audi] franchise [which I’ve owned since 1999] is going, where the brand is going, and where we are going.” Stay tuned…
LAcarGUY Breaks Ground for Expanded, LEED®-Certified Pacific Audi Dealership
LAcarGUY‘s Mike Sullivan, and Audi of America, this past week celebrated the official groundbreaking of the newly introduced Audi terminal in Torrance, CA. The state-of-the-art South Bay dealership will expand capacity from its current nearby location of 14,000 sq. ft., becoming the largest Audi Terminal showroom in the U.S. at 45,000 sq. ft. The expansion not only invests in the community as a business partner, but also as a community partner, with plans to be built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards.
We’re so excited to be building this. Everything we’re doing [here] is designed around sustainability and making it a very friendly place to be,” states LAcarGUY’s Sullivan. “What we are doing on this property just mirrors where the franchise is going, where the brand is going, and where we are going. It’s just a great marriage and we’re proud to be part of it.”
Located on a 3-acre parcel at the intersection of Hawthorne Boulevard and Spencer Street, the new space is being designed to better serve customers with expanded capacity and convenience within a compelling environment. The structure will make an impressive but welcoming architectural statement in the area with strong use of trees, special lighting, and a well-scaled, open two-story, 17-car showroom, showcasing the brand’s latest collection of luxury vehicles.
Having owned this Audi franchise since October of 1999, Sullivan built the first Audi Hangar-style dealership in California. The progressive nature of the Sullivan organization is a driving force behind the facility being built to meet LEED® standards (created by the U.S. Green Building Council). Highlights of the upcoming LEED® building include LED lighting, inside and out; high-efficiency heating and air components; “smog eating”-finished ACM panels; and atypical landscaping for a dealership. Regular blog posts at pacificaudi.com/leeddealership will soon begin to share the story of the green building’s progress until the scheduled November 2012 opening.
Adds Sullivan, “Our little family of dealerships is continuing to grow and we’re excited… We’re trying to stay ahead of the curve with this beautiful new LEED® certified building here in Torrance, so we’re really pleased.”
Audi Announces U.S. Introduction of A3 e-tron Electric Vehicle Pilot Program
Audi today announced the battery-electric Audi A3 e-tron pilot program in the U.S. to define a progressive e- mobility driver experience for premium car buyers. Audi made the announcement of the engineering-based pilot program for the A3 e-tron today at TED2012 in Long Beach, Calif., where Audi is presenting a vision for the role transportation will play in the world’s increasingly congested urban centers of the future.
The A3 e-tron pilot program marks the first step by Audi into the expanding U.S. electric vehicle landscape, which is a central component of the discussion expected at the Audi Social Space at TED2012.
At TED2012, Audi intends to spark a progressive dialogue about the role transportation will play in the global megacities of the future. The Audi Social Space will present a variety of perspectives on this topic on touch-screen video installations allowing attendees to pose new mobility scenarios for future urban spaces and contribute in real time to Audi’s live Twitter feed through the #AudiTED hashtag.
Elements of Audi balanced mobility initiatives will provide a backdrop for the interactive Social Space and spark conversation on future urban mobility and how to achieve CO2 neutrality across the mobility chain. Initiatives include: the lightweight A2 concept EV that features technology built specifically for the megacity of the future, like traffic-friendly piloted drive technologies for stop-and-go congestion; the Audi e- gas project, which utilizes offshore wind turbines to generate clean power for the production of electricity, hydrogen and methane; and futuristic cityscapes designed by partner architects of the Audi Urban Future Initiative.
Audi A3 e-tron, a global debut
Adding a new electric dimension to driving performance, the Audi A3 e-tron pilot program will allow Audi to identify challenges and opportunities with plug-in vehicles as progressive luxury car buyers become increasingly receptive to EV technology. By studying e-tron use across multiple geographical regions, Audi will monitor the effect of climate conditions, driving patterns and energy performance and use insight gained in the final development of future EV technology applications.
The A3 e-tron pilot program will take place in the San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Denver markets.
“As part of the long-range Audi corporate goal of moving toward CO2-neutral mobility, there will be e-tron plug-in vehicle products exhibiting all of the performance and design attributes Audi drivers have come to expect,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “Audi is committed to refining Audi e-tron technology and we expect our plug-in vehicles to become a significant choice for our buyers within a growing line of advanced, efficient Audi powertrains over the coming years.”
With the A3 e-tron pilot program Audi engineers and technical experts will explore EVs in a real world setting and monitor in real-time how e- tron technology operates in everyday scenarios. The pilot will run throughout the year and provide actionable feedback and telematics data to Audi engineering teams in the U.S. and Germany. This approach follows the Audi philosophy of engineering innovation by introducing fully developed alternative technology to ensure no compromises are needed by Audi owners.
“The A3 e-tron pilot program serves as an important innovation platform for Audi to develop greater insight into electric vehicles and how American driving conditions affect use of the progressive technology in everyday life,” said Jeff Curry, e-mobility and sustainability strategy lead at Audi of America. “We will integrate the data generated from this program into the launch of a range of Audi e-tron models for American drivers.”
The e-tron name indicates that an advanced electrified power train with a plug-in capability is onboard. As a core philosophy of e-tron, Audi engineers are researching e-tron power concepts tailored to different vehicle types and driving needs including full battery-electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and extended range electric (EREV) versions. The goal is to have the right product for the market at the right time – the best solution for the individual requirements of Audi customers. Audi e-tron becomes the latest entry to Audi’s stable of ingredient technologies, including Audi ultra lightweight construction, Audi TDI® clean diesel, Audi connectTM navigation and infotainment and Audi’s signature quattro® all-wheel drive.
Based on the award-winning Audi A3, currently sold to U.S. consumers in gasoline-powered and clean diesel TDI configurations, the Audi A3 e-tron features a fully electric powertrain with a 26kw lithium-ion battery, and zero driving emissions. Providing a sporty driving dynamic, Audi A3 e-tron has 199 lb-ft torque, a battery range of approximately 90 miles and a top speed of 90 mph all while retaining the full interior space and versatility of the A3.
Audi also is working on standardizing peripheral technologies that have to be taken into consideration for wide spread EV adoption and use, including driving the establishment in 2011 of common global standards for charging. As part of the pilot program, Audi will develop its network of infrastructure partners, test advanced services and create partnerships that will be central to providing the premium Audi experience for e-tron buyers.
Audi A7 and R8 Spyder Selected by Autobytel as Car and Truck of the Year Award Winners
Audi today announced that it is the recipient of two Car and Truck of the Year awards from Autobytel®, the company dedicated to helping consumers research and find the information they need to purchase new and used cars and connect to dealers online. Autobytel selected its 2012 Car and Truck of the Year Awards recipients based on innovation, originality and advancements. The 2012 Audi A7 was chosen as the Autobytel 2012 Luxury Car of the Year, while the 2012 Audi R8 Spyder was selected as the Autobytel 2012 Convertible of the Year.
The Audi A7 is the epitome of high style and artistry, with a five-door coupe design that is both sporty and elegant. The Audi A7 can also boast being the first car in the world to feature factory-installed Wi-Fi with Audi connect™ and navigation with 3-D Google Earth. From the groundbreaking MMI® touchpad and its gracefully integrated display screen, to the state-of-the-art head up display, the Audi A7 is the perfect marriage of progressive design and sophisticated engineering. The A7 also sets a high standard for performance, handling and efficiency with an all-aluminum Audi 3.0 liter TFSI® V6 engine, 310hp and 325 lb-ft. of torque.
The open top R8 Spyder is a favorite with both the public and experts alike. The high-performance sports car from Audi, the R8 Spyder is a high-tech work of art with the formidable power of its engine, the quattro permanent all-wheel drive and its lightweight Audi Space Frame (ASF) body made of aluminum. Good everyday practicality and perfect fit and finish typical of Audi complete the profile of this model athlete. With the standard hydraulic motor, the soft top opens and closes within 19 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph). The R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro features 430 hp, and the 5.2 FSI quattro features 525 hp.
Audi’s 3.0L TFSI Supercharged V6 Makes Ward’s 10 Best Engines List For 2012!
The engineers at Audi can proudly celebrate another accomplishment, as their supercharged 3.0L TFSI V6 engine made the cut for the prestigious Ward’s Auto 10 Best Engines list of 2012. This marks the third consecutive year that the engine has made the Ward’s 10 Best list. For 18 years, Ward’s Auto has been recognizing standout engines that are in the price range of most consumers, offer sufficient power, boast a great exhaust note, and integrates well with the vehicle the engine is featured in.
The supercharged V6 can be found in both the Audi A6 sedan and the striking A7 four-door coupe. Consumers can also find the award-winning engine in the Q7 full-sized SUV, and the athletic S4 and S5 models.
From a sheer power standpoint, the all-aluminum engine is good for a wholesome 310 horsepower and a substantial 325 lb-ft of torque, which peaks between 2,900 and 4,500 rpm. That’s nearly the kind of power found in a modern V8 engine, but because of its compact size, the TFSI supercharged 3.0L V6 is more efficient than an example with two more cylinders, and boasts a fuel economy rating of 19 mpg in the city 28 mpg on the highway (in the A6). And with Audi’s buttery Tiptronic transmission, you can listen to the engine’s fantastic exhaust note through eight smile-inducing gears.
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.
