The prototype was named Audi Q7 WFS (wave field synthesis). Once again Audi teamed with Bang & Olufsen to create the supreme sound experience inside a car. The sound system has 52 midrange speakers, 4 woofers, 5 tweeters, 1 sub-woofer. Each one of those speakers is individually driven by an advanced computer to create a universal audio sweet spot in the cabin.

This innovative audio concept was developed by the Institute for Digital Media Technology (IDMT) who labelled the technology Wave Field Synthesis (WFS). Each speaker can individually delay impulses to keep the sound in check, creating a personalised stereo experience no matter where the listener is sitting inside the vehicle.

More about Wave Field Synthesis
Source: Wikipedia

Wave field synthesis (WFS) is a spatial audio rendering technique, characterized by creation of virtual acoustic environments. It produces “artificial” wave fronts synthesized by a large number of individually driven speakers. Such wave fronts seem to originate from a virtual starting point, the virtual source or notional source. Contrary to traditional spatialization techniques such as stereo, the localization of virtual sources in WFS does not depend on or change with the listener’s position.

The wave field tech has been applied to the Linden Lichtspiele Cinema with an epic 192-speaker system. The only downside is that neither movie companies nor the recording industry are creating material with wave field encoding.

For Audi Q7 Lease or Audi Q7 contract hire for company cars contact Audi Nationwide.

Audi drivers can expect to pay considerably less to insure their cars than owners of equivalent models from the German premium sector brands, according to data sourced from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) group ratings database.

Managed by the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in Thatcham on behalf of the ABI and Lloyds Syndicates, the insurance group ratings database has been updated monthly with new car insurance rating data since the 1980s, and includes all trim levels, variants, body styles and engine types. This data has been used to calculate average insurance group ratings for Audi models and their equivalents wherever applicable from German premium sector competitors. In virtually every range, Audi models post considerably lower average ratings than competitors, meaning that owners will generally pay lower insurance premiums.

These ratings are defined using a system which allocates penalty points to each vehicle based on a number of factors, including the purchase price, the cost of key parts and the ease, and cost, of repair following an independent crash test undertaken by the Research Council for Automobile Repairs (RCAR).

The higher the outright purchase price or parts and labour charges, and the more costly and labour intensive the crash repair, the higher the points tally, and consequently the higher the insurance group rating.

Crucial security performance
Security performance is of course also a critical factor in determining each rating, and four British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards and three What Car? Magazine Security Awards for ‘Best Overall Manufacturer’ attest to Audi expertise in this area. Held by Audi for four consecutive years since 2006, the top BIVSA award for ‘Best Overall Manufacturer’ highlights the fact that the brand offers more ranges in which every variant has achieved the maximum five star rating for ‘theft of’ security and of at least four stars for ‘theft from’ security than any other entrant.

Award-winning security protection is achieved right across the Audi range through features including Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser technology with interior ultrasonic protection and anti-tow sensors, Thatcham Category 4 locking wheel bolts and extensive covert and overt marked parts.

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With effect from Tuesday May 25, retail prices for most models within the UK Audi range will increase as a result of prevailing currency exchange rates. Their impact has necessitated an average rise of around two per cent, which in some cases will be partially offset by specification improvements.

New customer orders placed up to, and including, May 24 will be fixed at currently advertised 2010 Model Year prices.

Among the core models in the Audi range, the three-door A3 and five-door A3 Sportback hatchbacks are subject to an increase of 1.9 per cent, the A4 Saloon and Avant rise by 2.4 per cent (in SE form) and the Audi A6 Saloon and Avant by 2.0 per cent.

Audi A5 Sportback, Coupe and Cabriolet models increase by 2.5 per cent, 2.4 per cent and 2.2 per cent, Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 by 2.0 per cent and 0.6 per cent, TT Coupe and Roadster by 0.9 per cent and Audi R8 V8 and Audi R8 V10 by 3.0 per cent. Recently announced prices for the A1 hatchback, the R8 Spyder, the RS 5 Coupe and the A8 remain as before.

In a number of cases the increases go hand-in-hand with improvements. The TT range, for example, has been visually enhanced for the 2011 Model Year, and features a newly introduced and significantly more efficient Turbo FSI petrol engine and recuperation technology that boosts economy virtually across the board. The Q5 adds an engine start-stop system for four-cylinder models that also works in favour of improved fuel economy, and the Audi Q7 is revitalised by even more frugal new petrol and TDI engines and a new eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

For Audi lease and contract hire for company cars contact Audi Nationwide.

Emissions, and in some cases engine capacities, in the new Audi Q7 range for 2011 take a significant tumble as part of the wider Audi initiative to optimise efficiency across its 36-model line-up. Thanks to the last word in supercharging, turbocharging and transmission technologies, the latest Q7 models match or exceed their predecessors on power and torque, but benefit from fuel economy improvements of up to 19 per cent with attendant CO2 reductions. They are available to order now and will reach their first UK customers in June.

The key changes include the introduction of two versions of the supercharged 3.0-litre TFSI engine to replace the naturally aspirated 3.6-litre FSI and 4.2-litre FSI petrol units, the replacement of the 3.0-litre TDI unit with a considerably lighter and more fuel efficient successor and the integration of the new eight-speed tiptronic transmission first seen in the A8.

Already the star of the much praised Audi S4, and also familiar from the A6 and A6 allroad quattro, the new 3.0-litre TFSI petrol engine uses supercharging to compensate very effectively for its smaller capacity. Within the 90-degree angle formed by its cylinder blocks there is an engine-driven supercharger that compresses the intake air. Two charge-air intercoolers prevent the air temperature from rising, so that the engine draws in more oxygen for the combustion process.

The first of the two versions of the supercharged V6 replaces the 280PS 3.6-litre FSI, and offers 272PS and a 40Nm torque advantage with 400 Nm over a broad engine-speed range from 2,250 to 4,750 rpm. It powers the Q7 from a standing start to 62mph in 7.9 seconds, a 0.6-second improvement over its predecessor, and gives it a top speed of 140mph.

The more powerful version that takes over from the 4.2-litre FSI delivers 333PS and 440Nm of torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm, allowing the Q7 to reach 62mph from rest 0.5 seconds more quickly than the V8 at 6.9 seconds, and to continue to a top speed of 152mph.

No less impressively, both versions achieve a combined cycle fuel economy figure of 26.4mpg, an improvement of 12 per cent over the naturally aspirated V6 FSI and 16 per cent over the V8. With a shared CO2 output of 249g/km, both also benefit from major reductions of 40g/km and 55g/km compared with the models they replace.

Improved 3.0 TDI now with start-stop
The diesel line-up has also been extensively reworked, the most notable changes benefiting the 3.0-litre V6 TDI, which in its latest form is essentially new from the ground-up, and 20kg lighter as a result. Constructed using a complex new cylinder wall machining process that reduces friction, and aided by newly introduced engine start-stop technology, the second generation V6 employs an even more responsive turbocharger, an enhanced common rail fuel injection system and new chain-driven timing gear to deliver a 19 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared with its predecessor.

In the combined cycle test it achieves 38.2mpg, which equates to an impressively low CO2 output of 195g/km, yet with a rated output of 240PS and a constant 550 Nm of torque available all the way from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm, it is also capable of powering the Q7 from rest to 62mph in 7.9 seconds – a 0.6-second improvement – and on to a top speed of 135mph.

The crankcase and cylinder heads of the new 3.0 TDI have separate cooling water circuits connected together by valves. During the warm-up phase and when loads are not high, the coolant is not circulated in the engine block. This saves energy and raises the oil more quickly to its regular operating temperature.

World’s cleanest diesel technology
The world’s cleanest diesel engine technology is of course also a feature of the latest Q7 range in the continuing Q7 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel, which not only already meets more stringent EU6 exhaust emission limits that are not due to come into force until 2014, but also tough US regulations. Special combustion chamber sensors and a DeNox catalytic converter in the exhaust system further reduce oxides of nitrogen by means of an additive. The 3.0 TDI clean diesel also develops 240PS and has an impressive 550 Nm torque output between 2,000 and 2,250 rpm. It takes the Q7 from a standstill to 62mph in 8.1 seconds, 0.4 seconds more quickly than before, and gives it a top speed of 135mph. Thanks to the new tiptronic transmission it works with, combined fuel economy works out at 33.6mpg, a six per cent improvement over the original version, resulting in an impressive drop in CO2 from 234g/km to 219g/km.

The Q7 4.2 TDI also benefits from an improvement in fuel economy, up from 28.5mpg to 30.7mpg, thanks to the new cylinder wall construction methods and the upgraded common rail injection system. The 340PS V8 diesel also delivers 40Nm more torque than before, with an impressive 800 Nm on tap between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. The big TDI engine gives the Q7 distinctly sporting performance figures, powering it to 62mph in 6.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 150mph.

Eight speeds now standard
A new automatic transmission has also been instrumental in the achievement of considerably greater efficiency in the latest Q7. Based on the original six-speed tiptronic, but with another friction-clutch shift element added, the new eight-speed transmission improves fuel economy by around five per cent. Drivers can choose between ‘D’ and ‘S’ modes, or make their own gear shifts in ‘manual’ mode via the gear lever or the optional steering-wheel paddles. Shifts are quick, well judged and delivered with a smoothness that befits this luxury seven-seat SUV, and the wider spread of ratios made possible enables the engine to operate at lower revs in the higher gears, adding to the relaxed feel and helping to reduce fuel usage.

To cut fuel consumption still further, the torque converter lockup clutch eliminates slip even at low engine speeds. Any engine vibration that could occur as a result is suppressed by the new damper in the torque converter until scarcely any trace can be detected.

In combination with the 3.0-litre TDI engine the new eight-speed tiptronic achieves an exceptionally high level of efficiency. Its oil cooler is heated after a cold start by hot coolant from the engine’s cooling system, and an electric oil pump makes operation of the Q7’s start-stop system possible: it maintains oil pressure in the hydraulic circuit when the engine stops, and closes the clutch for restarting.

All-wheel-drive reassurance
The new transmission channels power to the four driven wheels via the quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system with the now familiar 40 per cent / 60 per cent front-to-rear torque split for optimum on-road balance. Both on and off the tarmac, the standard five-mode air suspension with its variable ground clearance of between 180mm and 240mm helps the Audi Q7 to iron out surface imperfections. The off-road setting, with 205mm of clearance and adapted damper control, is the perfect setting for cross-country driving.

Inside, the latest Q7 contrasts its rugged exterior with an opulently trimmed cabin that as before can be equipped to up to three specification levels depending on version. Standard, SE and S line options are offered for the 3.0 TFSI 272PS and V6 TDI models, while the 3.0 TFSI 333PS and V8 TDI versions are available exclusively in SE or S line form.

Up to seven occupants can be accommodated in the three rows of seats that are included as standard, and no less than 28 seating and loading configurations giving a maximum load capacity of 775 litres with five seats in place or 2,035 litres with two seats in use guarantee exceptional versatility.

For Audi Q7 lease, Q7 contract hire for company cars and other Audi Finance options contact Audi Nationwide.

CAP is a leading vehicle valuation body that supplies substantial data to finance institutions, contract hire, leasing companies as well as insurance companies. According to Mark Norman from CAP the Audi A3 range pioneered the concept that a small vehicle can succeed in the premium sector, “true benchmark vehicle” and a “genuine pioneer” was Norman’s exact words for the Audi A3.

One of the main reasons the Audi A3 was named executive car of the year was the fact that models like the 2.0 TDI retains 43% of its value over 3 years – highest for a premium compact hatchback. The fact that the A3 1.6 TDI led the way in its segment when the fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions factor helped the A3 grab one more accolade to Audi.

With a CO2 output of only 109g/km the A3 1.6 TDI can save serious money in road car taxes add that to Audi leasing and contract hire options and you have of the most cost effective vehicles on the market today.

In the mean time the Audi Q7 V12 6.0 TDI quattro was named by Jeremy Clarkson & Co as SUV of the Year. The 2009 Top Gear’s Car of the Year award that is coming in this month’ issue of the Top Gear magazine will have the Audi Q7 V12 TDI as the best SUV of 2009.

Audi Q7 V12 – a magnificent whirlwind of sins – our SUV of the Year

TopGear Team

“Audi’s Efficiency Challenge A to B” will cover exact 4,182Km through Europe in 9 days, from A on the Lofoten archipelago in Norway to Bée on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy.

To prove that efficiency is a standard in every Audi, the company is not only putting to test its optimised fuel efficient models but also the top sporty models of each line, in total Audi has lined up five model series for this Efficiency Challenge.

The Efficiency challenge will also mark the day view for the ultra-efficient Audi A3 1.6 TDI with CO2 emissions of only 99g/Km who will be joined by other models including the more sportive S3 Sportback.

Other models taking part on “Audi’s Efficiency Challenge A to B” are the Audi A4 TDI e, the 333hp Audi S4, Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI, the Audi A5 Sportback 3.2 FSI. Representing the Audi Q7 family will be the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro and the more powerful Audi Q7 6.0 TDI quattro.

The TT range is also taking part on the Challenge with models like the Audi TT 2.0 TDI quattro and the top of the range Audi TT RS.

This Efficiency Challenge will also serve to highlight even further the effectiveness of Audi’s modular efficiency platform which brings together a broad portfolio of highly effective technologies.

The tour which already started the past Tuesday September 22nd has been broken down into three stages, each consisting of several days. The first runs from Å to Trondheim in southern Norway; the second to the German capital city of Berlin; and the third ends at the final destination on Wednesday September 30 at the town of Bée overlooking Lake Maggiore. The tour includes a wide range of roads and landscapes, taking participants along the coastal roads on the Lofoten islands and across Germany’s autobahns. The route encompasses impressive cities such as Oslo, Copenhagen and Prague as well as the towering mountains of the Alps.

We want to hear from you now. Which Audi model do you think will have the best fuel efficiency?

Leave your opinion in our comments section and make sure you don’t miss our follow up article with the challenge figures.

Audi A8 – Luxury Redefined

There is no conflict between sportiness and common sense in the case of the Audi A8: the luxury saloon brings together quattro four-wheel drive, the light but sturdy Audi Space Frame ASF® aluminium body and adaptive air suspension in a single car. The Audi A8’s design and technology redefine the benchmark in every respect.

If you want respect from your employees, this is the company car you need. The new Audi A8 is due to launch soon so stay tuned for more information on one of Audi’s most luxurious models.

Audi A8 Leasing for Company Car and Audi A8 Specifications

Audi TT Coupé and Audi TT Roadster – Inspirational

The Audi TTs perfect performance have come together to create the ultimate sports car. The Audi TT Coupe is of pure design. Perfect performance. A serious sports car with turbo-charged engineering and sports ratio 6-speed gearbox. And if you prefer a Cabriolet there is the Audi TT Roadster, automotive purism in its most beautiful form – for boundless open-top driving pleasure.

Audi has recently added the Audi TT to its RS line of cars with the launch of the Audi TTRS and Audi Roadster.

Audi TT Leasing for Company Car and Audi TT Specifications

Audi Q5 – Sports SUV

The new Audi Q5 combines the poise of a sports car with highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure and family use, with strong and fuel-efficient engines, Quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear incorporating a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch auto/manual transmission and performance for all seasons and all surfaces.

The Audi Q5 is not even one year old but it has already gained the respect of world’s top auto critics by winning some respectful awards such as the Golden Steering Wheel, one of the most prestigious awards in the auto industry.

Audi Q5 Leasing for Company Car and Audi Q5 Specifications

Audi Q7 – The Performance SUV

For 25 years we’ve made Quattro for our cars. Now we’ve made the car for Quattro – the new Audi Q7. Refining the raw power of the Quattro drive train. The Audi Q7 7 seater is a true performance SUV, at home on any road even when there isn’t one.

The Audi Q7 doesn’t compromise on safety. Exceptionally strong build and innovative, all-round protection keep you – and your family – safe. Audi’s philosophy on safety is at the very heart of the Audi Q7.

Audi Q7 Leasing for Company Car and Audi Q7 Specifications

Audi R8 – True Art

The Audi R8 was built to take your breath away. Audi’s leading designers have pushed the boundaries of racing technology, futuristic construction and luxury refinement to deliver a genuine masterpiece. The Audi R8’s features include a centrally-mounted, high-revving V8 petrol engine, Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction; front and rear double wishbone suspension and the stability of Quattro four-wheel-drive.

Audi R8 Leasing for Company Car and Audi R8 Specifications

Now that you know more about all Audi models available, choose the right Audi Company car that will best suit your company needs.

No major modifications have been made to the 2009 Audi Q7 on the outside apart from a redesigned front grille, restyled bumpers with incorporated under-body protectors and LED rear lights. Audi Q7 SE models are enhanced with larger 19 inch alloy wheels and the Audi Q7 S line models with LED indicators and new U-shaped ‘wraparound’ LED daytime running lights built into standard xenon headlamps.

It is under the bonnet where Audi put most of its efforts in the new 2009 Audi Q7, the new 3.0litre TDI engine is already compliant to EU6 emissions applicable from 2014 thanks to Audi’s clean diesel technology which uses new additive called AdBlue, this additive neutralizes all harmful nitrous oxide from emissions. All the other engines including the 3.0litre TDI were enhanced with a new energy recovery system that will help reduce CO2 emissions by 5g/km. Basically what it does is convert mechanical energy from braking and coasting phases into electrical energy via the alternator and stores it in the battery reducing load on the engine.

The new high-tech Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro with its new clean diesel technology and the energy recovery technology can achieve a fuel economy of up to 31,7mpg in a combined cycle, other engines are also benefiting from the energy recovery technology, the 4.2 TDI engine had an improvement in fuel economy of 3mpg jumping from 25,5mpg to 28,5mpg. More powerful engines like the 6-litre TDI V12 also have respectable fuel economy, despite the 493 Bhp (500 PS) of power the Audi Q7 V12 has a fuel economy of 25mpg. The petrol engines also have good fuel economy, with the 3.6 FSI V6 registering 23.3mpg, and the 4.2 FSI 22.2mpg.

In total there are 6 engines to choose from in the Updated 2009 Audi Q7 range all with a six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission, quattro permanent four-wheel-drive and the 40% / 60% torque split for optimum on road-balance.

For more information on prices and to order your new Audi Q7 contact Essex Audi for Audi Q7 leasing contact Audi Nationwide.

As a leading example of a Green SUV the Audi Q7 TDI is a perfect example of this world leading technology, combining efficiency, performance and luxury the Audi Q7 TDI has 30% better fuel economy than any petrol engine on the market today, with a 20mpg (US gallons) fuel efficiency on a combined cycle

Audi’s advanced clean diesel technology with its advanced exhaust emission control system that reduces smog-causing nitrogen oxides by up to 90% when compared to older diesel technologies, this allows the 3.0L V6 engine in the new Q7 TDI to produce 25% less CO2 than any other petrol engine of the same capacity.

What is really exciting about the new Audi Q7 is that with all the fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions its engine produces 50% more torque when compared to other petrol engines with a towing capacity of 6,600lb/3000kg.

Audi’s clean diesel technology makes the Audi Q7 the world’s cleanest green SUV.