Once again Audi raised the efficiency standard by presenting the Audi A8 Hybrid as technology concept which many believe is a preview of the Audi Q5 Hybrid scheduled to enter the market later this year or in early 2011.

As powerful as a V6 but with a fuel economy similar to a modest four-cylinder the Audi A8 Hybrid has two propulsion units – a 2.0 TFSI engine and an electric motor. The four cylinders 2.0 TFSI is the same engine that has been named “Engine of the Year” five times in a row. Combining direct fuel injection with turbocharging and the AVS Audi valvelift system the four cylinder 2.0 TFSI engine delivers 211PS and 350Nm of torque.

When combined with the electric motor the 2.0 TFSI engine develop a total output of 254PS of system power and 480 Nm of torque enabling the Audi A8 Hybrid to speed from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 146mph all that with a fuel efficiency of 45.6mpg and CO2 emissions of only 144g/Km.

The electric motor has an ample propulsive power and is linked to the petrol engine by a hydraulically operated wet clutch. Capable of running for 1.2 miles at a driving speed of up to 40mph the electric motor also serves as a generator that develops 45PS of power and 211 Nm (155.63 lb-ft) of torque.

Mounted in the rear section the energy storage system of the Audi A8 Hybrid is done by a more compact and lighter lithium-ion battery protected by a high-strength housing, and a ventilation module ensures that it always operated within the ideal temperature range.

The Audi A8 Hybrid wasn’t the only Hybrid concept presented by Audi. Following the e-tron electric sports car concepts shown in Frankfurt and L.A, Audi presented the Audi A1 Subcompact Plug-in Hybrid Concept, a tiny, yet more affordable approach to the previous e-tron concepts. Expect to hear more about the Audi A1 e-tron in future posts.

Audi UK has today confirmed an OTR price of £57,480 for the UK-bound RS 5 high performance coupe. Featuring a high-revving V8 FSI petrol engine delivering 450PS through rapid-fire S tronic twin-clutch transmission, and anchored by the very latest Audi driver aids, including a new iteration of the quattro system, the new RS flagship will open for order in the spring. First customer deliveries are scheduled for October.

The V10 FSI engine from the R8 5.2 FSI quattro provides the technological basis for the new hand-built, 4.2-litre V8 FSI engine that delivers its 450PS peak output at a heady 8,250rpm in the RS 5, along with a torque maximum of 430Nm at between 4,000 and 6,000rpm. Helped by fast-paced shifts from a specially reinforced version of the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, which makes its RS debut here, it enables the Audi RS 5 to power to 62mph in 4.6 seconds and continue to an electronically governed 155mph top speed. Its impressive efficiency, bolstered by on-demand oil pump operation and energy recovery during coasting and braking, also makes up to 26.2mpg possible.

New quattro technology

This remarkable engine and transmission pairing has the very best habitat in which to demonstrate its capabilities thanks to the integration of the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) adaptive damping system adopted from the RS 6, the sport differential which already brings acute adjustability to the S4 and S5 and the latest generation quattro all-wheel-drive system with crown gear differential.

The self-locking crown-gear centre differential can widely vary the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles. If necessary, up to 70 per cent can flow to the front or as much as 85 percent towards the rear. The 40:60 ratio of the standard rear-biased configuration ensures highly responsive handling.

Audi drive select

The Audi drive select vehicle dynamics control system is a standard feature of the new RS 5. It allows the driver to switch between three modes of operation – comfort, auto, and dynamic – to adjust the steering weighting, the shift points for the seven-speed S tronic, the sport differential, Dynamic Ride Control, the engine and the exhaust system. And if the car is equipped with the optional MMI navigation system, a fourth mode allows the driver to customize their own profile. Audi drive select also controls the exhaust system’s two throttle valves and the sound flaps, enabling the exhaust note to be varied at will.

With its RS-specific spring, damper and anti-roll bar settings, the RS 5 chassis sits 20 millimetres lower than that of the Audi A5 on 19-inch five-spoke Aero design alloy wheels fitted with 265/35 tyres. Its purposeful body is also embellished by adaptive swivelling xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, a speed-activated rear spoiler and the now trademark oval RS tailpipes.

Inside, black Silk Nappa leather upholstery is complemented by carbon fibre and aluminium elements and additional oil temperature and lap timer gauges for circuit use. Electrically adjustable super sports seats with pronounced side sections and integrated head restraints are standard, as of course are comforts such as a 180-watt CD sound system, deluxe three-zone climate control, the Audi Parking System Plus with front and rear sensors, tyre pressure monitoring and an RS multi-function steering wheel with aluminium-look gearshift paddles.

Key options will include 20-inch alloy wheels, a sports exhaust system, HDD-based satellite navigation, adaptive cruise control and a 505-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Today we will explain in detail all the innovations that will make the Audi RS5 one of the most desirable coupes in the premium sector.

Audi Quattro with crown-gear differential

In 1980 Audi captivated the Geneva Motor Show attendants with the introduction of the Quattro four-wheel-driving technology and now thirty years later Audi will launch the new Quattro technology with a innovative centre differential known as crown-gear differential.

The self-locking crown-gear centre differential is compact and lightweight, and attains a high efficiency ratio. Thanks to its package of plates, it can widely vary the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles. If necessary, up to 70 per cent can flow to the front or as much as 85 percent towards the rear. The 40:60 ratio of the standard rear-biased configuration ensures highly responsive handling.

This new differential operates in conjunction with electronic torque vectoring, which influences all four wheels. If one of the inside wheels in a turn becomes imbalanced while the vehicle is at its operational limits, then the system slightly decelerates the wheel to prevent wheel spin. This results in exceptional traction on the one hand while generating a yaw moment which aids cornering.

The rear axle also features an already much praised new Audi driver aid – the sport differential – which actively distributes torque between the rear wheels in order to further boost stability and grip at the vehicle’s limits of handling.

New Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) & ESP’ Sport Mode

The latest generation version of the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system as used by the RS 6 also contributes to the exceptional handling capabilities exhibited by the RS 5. DRC connects shock absorbers on each side of the car diagonally to their counterparts by way of a central valve, which directs a flow of oil to provide additional damping force whenever a shock absorber is compressed, making for impressive gains in handling precision and stability. Via the Audi drive select system, the driver will be able to choose from three damper settings – comfort, dynamic and sport – according to preference and conditions.

With its RS-specific spring, damper and anti-roll bar settings, the RS 5 chassis sits 20 millimetres lower than that of the Audi A5 on 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with 265/35 tyres. These are executed in an exclusive 5-arm structure design. 20-inch wheels with 275/30 tyres are available at extra cost.

The brake system employs powerful internally ventilated discs, which measure 365 millimetres in diameter at the front axle. In order to maximize the dissipation of heat, the steel friction rings are perforated and connected by pins to the aluminium brake discs. The high-gloss black brake calipers bearing RS logos are made of aluminium, and the front units are fitted with eight pistons each. Ceramic carbon-fibre brake discs measuring 380 millimetres in diameter can also be specified as an optional extra. They are extremely lightweight, strong, and durable. The electronic stabilization program (ESP) incorporates a sport mode and can be switched off entirely.

Even more acutely controllable: Audi drive select

The Audi drive select vehicle dynamics control system is a standard feature of the new RS 5. It allows the driver to switch between three modes of operation – comfort, auto, and dynamic – to adjust the steering weighting, the shift points for the seven-speed S tronic, the sport differential, Dynamic Ride Control, the engine and the exhaust system. And if the car is equipped with the optional MMI navigation system, a fourth mode allows the driver to customize their own profile.

For maximum enjoyment of the engine, Audi drive select controls the exhaust system’s two throttle valves and the sound flaps; when they open, the rich sound becomes even more resonant. An optional Sport exhaust system offering an even more addictively bass-heavy V8 soundtrack is available at extra cost.

For even greater control over the steering, a dynamic steering option is also available at extra cost as a component of Audi drive select. The system adjusts the steering ratio to a vehicle’s speed – directly for manoeuvring at low speeds and indirectly for travelling at motorway speeds. At the vehicle’s cornering limits, it automatically ensures smooth handling via minor corrective actions.

The remarkable abilities which all these technologies convey on the RS 5 are highlighted subtly by its body, without tainting the purity of its classically beautiful coupe lines. The single-frame grille bears a shiny charcoal-grey rhombus-pattern grid and is flanked by xenon plus headlights with LED strip daytime running lights, below which are oversized air inlets. The newly designed bumper tapers downward into a splitter.

The flared wings with their crisp horizontal upper edges are reminiscent of the pioneering Audi quattro, and the side sills bear angular caps. The trim strips on the single-frame grille and near the side windows as well as the door mirror covers feature the distinctive matt aluminium RS look.

The tail end is dominated by two oval exhaust pipes integrated within the bumper. A large diffuser protrudes prominently upwards. The spoiler in the tailgate automatically extends at a speed of 75mph and retracts at 50mph.

The extensively clad underbody of the Audi RS 5 integrates air vents for the seven-speed S tronic and the front brakes. At motorway speeds, the aerodynamic characteristics of the RS 5 generate downforce to further enhance stability.

Following the tradition of a lineage dating back over 15 years ago to the illustrious Audi RS2, the Audi RS5 was developed by Audi high performance engineering and styling subsidiary Quattro GmbH. The RS badge on an Audi means ultra-high performance and sportiveness combined to top notch styling features.

With its hand-built, high-revving 4.2-litre V8 FSI engine the Audi RS5 has a maximum output of 450PS when the engine hits the 8,250rpm mark. A torque maximum of 430Nm is available between 4,000 and 6,000rpm, helping to power the new, Audi RS 5 to 62mph in 4.6 seconds and to an electronically governed 155mph top speed.

For Audi performance is nothing without efficiency that is why the RS5 engine has been fine tuned to maximise performance and also economy. Drivetrain friction was minimized, the oil pump operates on demand, the dual-branch intake and exhaust system were tuned to allow the engine to breath freely, four adjustable camshafts and tumble flaps in the intake manifold facilitate mixture formation and Audi’s energy recovery system assure a fuel efficiency of up to 26.2mpg.

Making its RS debut, the high-tech seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission will be a standard specification for the RS5. This specially reinforced S tronic transmission consists of two clutches and two subsidiary transmissions. Both subsidiary transmissions are continuously active, but only one is powered at any given time by the engine. Gears are alternately shifted by the two clutches – at lightning speed, smoothly, and almost imperceptibly.

Presenting the brand new Quattro technology with crown-gear differential

If it has an RS badge it sure has Quattro four-wheel-drive. Like all Audis in the RS lineage the Audi RS5 will be equipped with Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive but not any Quattro. This latest generation model has evolved further through a next generation centre differential known as a crown-gear differential; expect to hear more about that on future posts.

With such a wide array of innovations it’s hard to mention them all in only one post. So if you want to know more about the Audi RS5 don’t miss our next post about it on Monday when we will explain in detail the new Quattro technology as well as the new Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) and the more acutely controllable Audi drive select.

Before we end this post we want to know. Will the Audi RS5 be the most successful vehicle in the RS lineage?

In total there are 28 images but little written information, there are not shots of the engine bay so we can only speculate on what powerplants will propel the RS5. Experts believe that power shall fall between the 420 hp of the Audi RS4 and 571 hp of the current Audi RS6. A V10 engine has been ruled out because it wouldn’t fit into the A5’s engine bay.

Speculations are that maybe we could see a turbo or supercharged version of the 4.2 litre V8 used in the Audi S5 or a severely amplified version of the 3.0 litre TFSI V6 from the Audi S4.

Either way the Audi RS5 is set to be one of the stars of this year’s Geneva Auto Show and we can’t wait to see it on the roads.

Audi A1 The Key is Individuality

Audi A1 Automotive Plant Teaser

Audi A1 Online Reveal

Audi A1 Test Drive with FC Bayer Munich Stars

Audi A1 The Countdown has Begun

We hope you enjoyed our Audi A1 Video Special and don’t forget that the official worldwide launch of the “Next Big Audi” will be during the Geneva Auto Show that begins on the 4th of March 2010 and we’ll be there to bring you exclusive details.

Audi A1: The Future Taking Shape

Audi A1: We Light UP the Dark

Audi A1: Designing the Roof Line and Roof

Audi A1: Quality Knows no Compromise

The Audi A1 Shows its Colours

This is it for the first part of our Audi A1 Video Special. Make sure you don’t miss the second part of this superb video special of the “next Big Audi” by checking our blog tomorrow.

With a broad portfolio of top notch technology only seen on high-end Audis, a design full of character, its infotainment system that sets new standards in the class, all of Audi’s highly efficient fuel saving technologies and its agile chassis it is easy to standard why the Auto industry already labelled the A1 the sportiest in its segment.

Well they say a picture is worth more than thousand words so we prepared an exclusive picture special for you to enjoy every detail of the next “big Audi”.

Hope you enjoyed it, please share your thoughts on our comments section and don’t miss tomorrow’s post when we will bring a video special of the Audi A1.

In marketing terms the campaign is a big deal when you consider the Super Bowl provides advertisers with the prime chance to reach an enormous audience in one hit (last year’s event was seen by 151 million people). On top of that, according to advertising trade press, a 30 second spot this year cost between $2.5m and $3m. Meaning a considerable slice of a brand’s marketing budget – even a brand of Audi’s stature– goes into their Super Bowl spot(s).

Over the years, the Super Bowl has become an occasion for mega brands to unveil their latest product or announce a new direction, and for advertising agencies to show off their creative muscle. It seems Audi’s green police campaign went down a treat with American audiences as USA Today’s Ad Meter – a focus group led survey – shows that the campaign gained an average score of 7.35 (out of 10) making it the joint 4th favourite ad shown during this colossal event.

10 most popular
Advertiser	Description	Sec.	Qtr.	Score
Mars Snickers	Octogenarian actors Betty White and Abe Vigoda play in a casual football game.	30	1st	8.68
Doritos	Dog with bark collar rules.	30	1st	8.27
Bud Light	Man builds a house out of beer cans.	30	1st	7.91
Anheuser-Busch	Clydesdale’s friend.	60	4th	7.82
Coca-Cola	Sleepwalker going through rough terrain gets cold Coke.	60	3rd	7.36
Audi A3 TDI	Audi diesel pleases green police.	60	4th	7.35
E-Trade	Talking baby tries to explain to jealous girlfriend why he didn’t call.	30	3rd	7.34
Budweiser	Teamwork helps beer truck.	60	2nd	7.29
Bridgestone	Guys have an unexpected passenger: a killer whale.	30	1st	7.24
Monster Worldwide	A woodland beaver has exceptional musical talent with a fiddle.	30	1st	7.19

But just who are the Green Police? The Green Police are caricatures of today’s Green Movement; dedicatedly striving to help turn everyday consumers into environmentally responsible citizens and by any means necessary! Employing the skills of an anteater to sniff out contraband and sifting through domestic waste for misplaced recyclables.

The Green Police certainly don’t take any prisoners, but their reasons are noble; inspiring naive (or just downright lazy) consumers towards finding green enlightenment – or through fear of getting cuffed at their local supermarket!

Either way, the ad is doing a great job cementing Audi’s “Green” credentials in the States and winning over new fans by not taking themselves too seriously. Interestingly, Audi have chosen the Audi  A3 TDI to front the campaign, which was recently awarded the 2010 Green Car of the Year Award at the LA Auto Show by Green Car Journal. Suggesting that the A3 TDI’s outstanding fuel efficiency is the standard to which Audi is now setting its sight with all their exclusive models.

What do you think? Does the idea of the next Q7 model having a CO2 output of 99g/km seem feasible, or the stuff of fantasy?

And off course we saved the best for last, here it is this year’s Audi Super Bowl Ad starring the new highly efficient Audi A3 1.6 TDI.

Here at Audi Nationwide, we’ve been thinking backwards, and looking for features of the Audi A1 that are not exclusive to the Audi A1 but, in actual fact, personify all Audi models – as not to detract from the underlying excellence that characterizes an Audi vehicle.

Whether the untraditionally non-premium compact class, to the upper echelons of motorsport prestige (that means you, Audi R8) – one thing remains the same with all models: a simple commitment to delivering a premium product.

But what makes a premium product nowadays? The word ‘premium’ gets thrown about so often that its rapidly losing its meaning. The notion of premium is simply being lost to wishful thinkers, of whom, so desperately want you to think of them as being premium. But ultimately disappoints when you discover that underneath the fancy packaging and brand essences, lies the clank of “cost effective” materials.

No – with Audi, the sense of class is not an empty promise. As any Audi enthusiast will profess; owning an Audi is more than just aesthetics – sure, the car is made to look contemporary and stylish, but what really makes every Audi full of character, is its interiors. From the selection of materials used, the way the panels are have curvaceous, even gaps and softly backed with foam. The way all buttons and controls move with crisp precision. Every touch point of an Audi vehicle is designed with aesthetics, ergonomics and sensory experience in mind – which add up to an experience that’s unique to Audi vehicles.

As excited as we are about the Audi A1, in many ways, is simply another example of Audi’s ability to deliver what it promises: uncompromising quality.

And we leave you with another innovative Audi A1 Video: