Concept Allroad Audi Quattro SUV Debuts at Detroit Auto Show

AUDI PRESS RELEASE
Brains and brawn have combined to formidable effect in a spectacular new Audi SUV design study set to debut at the North American Auto Show in Detroit (Jan 15-23). Bearing the familiar Audi allroad quattro name, but this time based on the all-new Audi A6 Avant, the new concept car features the latest Audi adaptive air suspension for impeccable all-terrain credentials, a potent new Piezo-injected V8 TDI engine and numerous technological advances.

For the new allroad Audi quattro concept, the elegant lines of the new A6 Avant body shell have been given a harder edge by striking new bumpers, flared wheel arches, visible ribbed stainless steel under-body protection and a special treatment for the now familiar Audi single frame grill. Imposing 19-inch alloy wheels and piercing LED front and rear lights also add to the visual appeal.

The allroad quattro concept can produce huge reserves of torque from a new 4.0-litre V8 TDI engine boosted by two turbo chargers and incorporating common rail fuel injection with state-of-the-art Piezo injectors. Notable not only as the lightest eight-cylinder diesel engine in the world, but also the first to comply with EU4 emissions regulations through the use of a particulate filter, this new powerhouse is good for 286PS and an incredible 650Nm of torque. As a result, the allroad quattro concept can go from 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds, dispatch 50-70mph in 4.9 seconds and power on to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph.

Almost exactly 25 years since Audi unleashed its first quattro model on an astonished market, and set exceptional new precedents for agility and control on both rally stage and road, the latest evolution of the concept takes the potential of this system to new heights yet again. The allroad quattro concept features a modified version of the latest adaptive air suspension first used by the A8 luxury saloon, with electronically controlled four-mode adjustable damping giving optimum ride comfort and handling balance in all conditions, combined with a variable ride height. The lowest 160mm setting benefits on-road agility by dropping the centre of gravity, and reduces wind resistance and fuel consumption for motorway cruising in the process. The maximum height setting of 210mm gives the best possible ground clearance on rough terrain and steep inclines.

When driving in inhospitable, muddy conditions, or even just on salt and water-soaked winter roads, the allroad quattro concept ensures that visibility never suffers, thanks to an innovative coating of hydrophonic molecules covering the exterior window glass and mirrors that repels both water and dirt.

The rugged exterior of the allroad quattro contrasts with a cabin that is typically opulent, spacious and laden with advanced technology, including a new version of the MMI Multi Media Interface with a larger 8.9-inch monitor and even higher pixel resolution for optimum clarity. The MMI unit also includes a 3D off-road navigation system incorporating compass and longitudinal/lateral angle display.

Other features that could eventually filter through to other Audi models include the Audi road vision system, a world first for the brand that incorporates an optical sensor able to recognize the condition of the road and its surface. The system informs the driver of potential hazards such as loose gravel or black ice, and also gives the ESP electronic stabilization program and the adaptive cruise control additional, crucial parameters for even better proactive control. Expanded interior cargo box area comes with the larger SUV dimensions and standard factory Audi roof rack side rails are included as well.

The Audi lane assist system, another useful advance, induces vibrations through the steering wheel to inform the driver should he or she inadvertently stray across the lane divider lines. Audi side assist, in turn, incorporates radar sensors monitoring the area behind and next to the car to detect vehicles approaching the allroad quattro, or driving in its blind spots. The driver is informed by a warning light mounted in the exterior mirror on the appropriate side of the car.

Even the passenger compartment layout is innovative. A high center console runs its full length and incorporates subdivided storage compartments between two-piece armrests. These can be completely retracted into the floor, and the rear seats tilted forward at the touch of a button, to create a massive and completely smooth and flush load area. The fully retractable load cover is also housed within the floor to remove all clutter.

The allroad quattro concept shows the form an all-terrain evolution of the latest A6 Avant could take in the future, but at present there are no definite plans to make the car a production reality.

Audi Cars Museum Now Accessible Online

Audi recently announced that its Audi museum mobile shop can now be accessed via the internet. Launched in mid-December 2004, the online Audi Museum Shop allows internet customers to find collectors’ items with links to past and historic originals.

Audi enthusiasts are reported to have online access to automobilia, literature, model cars, merchandise and Audi history. Original brochures, Audi owner’s manuals, workshop manuals and posters of antiquity are also available.

Decline in 2004 Audi Sales Reported

2004 year-end sales reported by Audi of America, Inc. disclose a decline in sales of 77,917 vehicles compared to 2003 sales of 86,421 units, a difference of 9.8%. 2004 highlights include the continued sales success of the Audi A8 with 2004 sales of 5,943 cars, a 45.3% increase over 2003 Audi A8 sales of 4,090 cars. In 2004, Audi added two new A8 models, an A8 model with normal wheelbase and a 4.2 liter V8 engine. The other new model was the A8 L W12 flagship with a W12 engine that produces 450 horsepower.

Additionally, for the month of December, Audi reported that they sold 7,650 cars, representing a 15.8% decline compared to the December 2003 record sales of 9,084 units. The Audi Certified Pre-Owned business program increased sales in 2004 with December total sales of 2,089, a 22.8% increase over December 2003 sales of 1,701 vehicles. Audi Certified Pre-Owned sales for 2004 totaled 24,821, a 20.7% increase over 2003 Audi Certified Pre-Owned sales of 20,558 units, the company reported.

Audi Announces Continued Substantial Investment In Audi Sport Models

Audi announced it will be continuing to invest a large amount of capital in sporty new models over the next five years. Capital investments will accordingly be maintained at the high level of the recent previous years. The Audi Supervisory Board is reported to have made the decision.

Capital investments totalling 11.6 billion euros have been allocated in the Audi Group's medium-term investment plans for the business period 2004 to 2009. About 80% of capital investments will be for future Audi cars. The high proportion of investment already reflects the plans to broaden the Audi model range quite substantially, the Audi Group reported. Adding that, over the next few years, the company will not only be developing new models, but also unveiling modifications in existing Audi series cars.

Audi A6 Series Gets Two More Options in 2005

AUDI PRESS RELEASE
Audi has extended the A6 series with the addition of two new engine and transmission types, the 177-bhp Audi A6 2.4, available with quattro permanent four-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The other option is the Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro with optional 6-speed gearbox. There are now eleven engine and transmission combinations for the A6, with power outputs ranging from 140 to 335 bhp.

The Audi quattro drive maintains outstanding traction and cornering stability, minimizing the effect of propulsive forces on the car's self-steering characteristics. This is a precondition of a high level of dynamic stability, supreme acceleration and very high cornering speeds. The performance data of the Audi A6 2.4 quattro shows an output of 177 bhp (130 kW) and 230 Newton-meters of torque. The six-cylinder accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 230 k/hr. It also has an average fuel consumption of 10.9 liters per 100 kilometers.

The Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro, with the 6-speed manual gearbox, takes just 7.1 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h, and achieves a top speed of 245 km/h. The vehicle is also notable for its low fuel consumption figure of 7.9 liters per 100km (combined cycle).

Audi Sells Cosworth Engines Company to Mahle of Germany

Audi, the luxury car division of Volkswagen, announced that it has sold its high-performance engine unit Cosworth Technology Ltd to Mahle Gmbh of Germany. Audi offered no financial details for the Cosworth deal. Cosworth developed the engine in the Audi RS6 car. Pending regulatory approval, the deal will take effect next year.

Audi bought Cosworth in 1998 from the British group Vickers Plc. Based in England, Cosworth Technology engineers, manufactures and assembles engines and has 970 employees at three British plants and one plant in the U.S. Audi previously reported the British branch generated 2003 sales of $218 million and $31 million in the U.S.

Mahle is an automotive supplier that makes pistons, engine components and filter systems. It reported 2003 sales of $4.28 billion.

Audi and IG Metall Union Showing Signs of Possible Conflict

Referring to IG Metall Union's recent negotiations with the management team of Audi, the IG Metall Union has recently suggested that possible industrial action may be brought against Audi, a subsidiary of Volkswagen. This would be the first occurrence in 40 years.

According to IG Metall Union spokesmen, Audi has recently asked workers for cutbacks that would roughly equal the terms agreed recently by VW workers. Union spokesmen added that Audi couldn't justify such measures based on Audi's own commercial prospects. If a conflict is formalized then an agreement on current Audi wage negotiations may not be reached until mid-2005, Union spokesmen added.

Audi A4 Marketed Using Hi Tech Promotional Tool

Audi is marketing the new Audi A4 model through a new hi-tech promotion tool. Audi sources said that free plug-in memory sticks that contain five minutes of video and interactive content are being freely distributed. The memory stick can be plugged into any computer USB port.

The content includes design and engine features of the the Audi A4. Mark Hawkins, COO of twofourtv, the agency that developed the promotion, stated: "Branded with Audi, the USB stick extends brand values over a new platform, re-enforcing Audi's reputation as the most innovative car brand."