Audi A4 allroad quattro, 2010

 

 

Audi A4 allroad quattro, 2010

The Audi A4 can handle any road or trail; it also offers driving pleasure - even on unpaved surfaces. Naturally, the Audi A4 allroad quattro features all the innovative technologies which impart to the A4 model line its superiority: a range of powerful and highly energy-efficient engines, Audi drive select (intelligent handling technology), the high-tech S tronic transmission, and innovative communication and assistance systems. The vehicle  price of 37,100 euros.

The design of the Audi A4 allroad quattro recalls the Audi A4 Avant: crisp lines enclose tastefully curved surfaces and the low roof line establishes a coupé-like silhouette. Striking details re-interpret this model line's sporty elegance. The moon-gray single-frame radiator grille bears vertical chrome strips; an accentuated bumper and large air inlets underscore this vehicle's unique identity. Chrome rings encircle the fog lights. And in the option featuring xenon plus headlights, light-emitting diodes comprise the daytime running lights and taillights. Underneath the front end and tail end, the A4 allroad has a stainless-steel underbody guard.

Interior
Refined touches, uncompromising quality and flawless functionality: the interior of the Audi A4 allroad quattro embodies all the strengths for which Audi is renowned. The cockpit clearly serves the driver. Among the control unit's highlights: the standard electromechanical handbrake - which has replaced the lever on the center console with a button - and the central on-board monitor. A color display complements the concert or symphony sound system, or the MMI navigation system plus; the MMI's offset control unit is housed in the center console.

The Engines
Audi will initially offer three different engines for the Audi A4 allroad quattro: a gasoline engine and two diesel engines. All three are turbocharged direct-fuel-injection engines. They command respect due to excellent performance, impressive pulling power, smooth running, and high fuel efficiency. The engines are further bolstered by pioneering technologies arising from Audi's modular efficiency expertise. For example, all three units boast a standard on-board recuperation system, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy during deceleration.

The Driveline
The 2.0 TDI transmits its power to a six-speed manual transmission. The 3.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI feature the next generation of Audi's dynamic and very efficient S tronic. This innovative dual-clutch transmission switches extremely smoothly among its seven gears within a few hundredths of a second. S tronic also excels thanks to its high efficiency ratio and a broad spread of the gear ratios. The seven-speed S tronic has a fully automatic mode at the ready: the driver can shift as required, if necessary via shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The differential is in front of the clutch and immediately behind the engine. This technical stroke of genius made it possible to reposition the front axle much closer to the vehicle's front end, in turn allowing for a long wheelbase and an ideal distribution of the axle loads. The benefits include steady straight-line stability, superb ride comfort, and excellent driving dynamics.

The Audi A4 allroad quattro features quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Its purely mechanical center differential favors the rear, distributing power at a 40:60 ratio to the front and rear axle. If necessary, the quattro permanent all-wheel drive can route up to 65 percent to the front or as much as 85 percent toward the tail end.

The Chassis
The width of the Audi A4 allroad quattro lays the foundation for its driving dynamics. The car's track is 1,583 mm (62.32 in.) at the front and 1,574 mm (61.97 in.) at the rear - some 20 mm (0.79 in.) wider, respectively, than the A4 Avant. The body is higher on account of a new chassis with longer springs, which - like the new shock absorbers - combine sportiness with comfort. The standard, 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels are fitted with 225/55 tires. At a diameter of 690 millimeters (27.17 inches), even this standard configuration looks rather imposing. For the time being, Audi is also offering 18-inch wheels.

The chassis in the Audi A4 allroad quattro retains all the advantages which distinguish the A4 model line. Steering is straightforward and responsive. A steering box beneath the wheel conveys the driver's input directly to the wheels. The five-link front suspension and the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension consist largely of aluminum to reduce unsprung weight. 16-inch brakes with excellent cooling behavior provide for rapid deceleration. It should come as no surprise that the Audi A4 allroad quattro offers sportiness, comfort, and stability - onroad and offroad. After all, it is an A4.

On rough terrain, the Audi A4 allroad quattro relies on a high-tech feature of its Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP): the Offroad Detection (ORD) technology automatically identifies the type of driving surface and adjusts the ESP's control parameters accordingly. When the driver depresses the gas pedal, ESP increases propulsive power by tolerating more wheel spin than otherwise. If necessary, it will override for a time in the interests of safety.

On paved roads, Audi drive select further enhances the joys of driving. This control system automatically and perfectly adapts the personality of the Audi A4 allroad quattro to the driver's preferences. Audi drive select namely evaluates the engine's throttle response, the Servotronic power steering, and S tronic's shift points in automatic mode. The driver can freely switch among three different engine maps: comfortable, standard, and sporty. And MMI navigation plus provides yet another on-board control option, and is individually programmable.

The Audi drive select can be paired with Audi dynamic steering. It consists of a superimposed gear system, and varies the steering ratio as well as steering assistance in a continuously variable manner. Audi drive select functions directly at low speeds and indirectly at high speeds. At the vehicle's cornering limit, the dynamic steering keeps the Audi A4 allroad quattro on course via split-second corrective actions - subsequently obviating extensive ESP intervention.

Audi A1 e-tron Concept, 2010

 

 Audi A1 e-tron Concept, 2010

The technology of the Audi A1 e-tron
The e-tron model family from Audi is just a few months old, but it already has a number of members, for each of which Audi has chosen a different drive technology. The first e-tron, which debuted at the 2009 IAA in Frankfurt/Main, is a near-series high-performance sports car with electric motors for all four wheels. The study shown at the Detroit Motor Show in 2010 is a lightweight, compact two-seater with two electric motors on the rear axle.

The Audi A1 e-tron Concept now presents another approach - a compact electric car in the premium class. The four-passenger, two-door MCV city car was designed specifically for use in the metropolitan areas of Europe and North America and in the rapidly growing megacities of Asia and South America. The Audi A1 e-tron always drives on electric power; its internal combustion engine is only used to recharge the battery in isolated cases.

The electric motor: 75 kW (102 hp) peak power
The synchronous electric motor of the Audi A1 e-tron is mounted transversely at the front of the car. Its low mounting position has a positive effect on the vehicle's center of gravity. Continuous output is rated at 45 kW (61 hp), with peak power of 75 kW (102 hp) available in short bursts. 150 Nm (110.63 lb-ft) of torque is continuously available, and peak torque is 240 Nm (177.01 lb-ft).

The electric motor sends its power to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. The elegant, retractable selector lever on the console of the center tunnel used to choose between "Drive," "Reverse," and "Neutral" was taken from the first Audi e-tron.

The power electronics are mounted in the engine compartment above the electric motor. The most important components are the pulse-controlled inverter, which serves as the controller between the electric motor and the battery; the DC converter, which connects the high-voltage network with the 14 volt electrical system; a breaker unit to protect the high-voltage components; and the charging module. The socket for the standard charging plug is located behind the rings in the single-frame grille of the Audi A1 e-tron. A fully depleted battery can be recharged in approximately three hours from the 380 volt grid. A display immediately adjacent to the plug-in connection shows the current charge status and the charging time remaining.

The power steering of the Audi A1 e-tron is electro-mechanical and thus particularly energy-efficient. An electronic brake system makes it possible to tap into the recuperation potential of the electric motors. A hydraulic fixed-caliper brake is mounted on the front axle, with two novel electrically-actuated floating-caliper brakes mounted on the rear axle. These floating calipers are actuated not by any mechanical or hydraulic transfer elements, but rather by wire ("brake by wire"). In addition, this eliminates frictional losses due to residual slip when the brakes are not being applied. In addition, the servo unit received a new, demand-controlled electric vacuum pump.

The large electric motor powering the Audi A1 e-tron Concept can convert braking energy into electric current and feed it back into the electrical system. The high degree of recuperation benefits overall efficiency. The electric control actions are imperceptible to the driver, who notices only the familiar, precise, and perfectly controllable pedal feel.

The battery pack: a compact T arranged below the floor
The energy storage unit is arranged below the floor, where it is ideal for the center of gravity and weight distribution. The battery pack is shaped like a T, with the short "transverse beam" filling the rear section of the center tunnel and the "cross-beam" filling that area in front of the rear axle where the fuel tank is otherwise located. The 380 volt lithium-ion rechargeable battery has a nominal energy content of 12 kilowatt hours. It comprises 96 prismatic cells and weighs less than 150 kilograms (330.69 lb).

The Audi A1 e-tron can drive 50 kilometers (31.07 miles) emission-free in city traffic on the powerful battery. On longer trips, the battery is recharged by a particularly compact internal combustion engine mounted below the luggage compartment.

The range extender
The Audi A1 e-tron Concept car has a Wankel engine as a range extender, but other compact concepts are also possible. The small single-rotor Wankel has a chamber volume of 254 cc and runs at a constant 5,000 rpm in its peak efficiency window. The electronics also consider navigation data such as the destination and route profile to automatically activate the range extender as needed. The driver can also turn the range extender on and off as necessary with the push of a button The fuel tank holds 12 liters (3.17 US gallons).

The great strengths of the Wankel engine are the nearly vibration-free and quiet operation, the small dimensions, and the extremely low weight. Together with the generator, which is powered by the Wankel engine and produces 15 kW of electric power, the complete assembly weighs only around 70 kilograms (154.32 lb). This weight also includes the special power electronics, the intake, exhaust, and cooling unit, plus the insulation and the subframe.

Driving experience
The first defining impression that the driver of the Audi A1 e-tron gets is that of nearly total silence. Even the Wankel engine in the back can barely be heard when it is running.

The second characteristic perception is the power of the electric motor, nearly all of which is available instantly and thrusts the Audi A1 e-tron forward with authority. The innovative Mega City Vehicle, which despite its complex drive technology weighs only 1,190 kilograms (2,623.50 lb) delivers zero-emission driving fun in a modern and sophisticated manner. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 10.2 seconds and has a top speed of more than 130 km/h (80.78 mph).

The Audi A1 e-tron can also cover longer distances if the range extender charges the battery. The extra range, which is intended primarily for interurban driving, is 200 kilometers (124.27 miles).

According to the draft standard, the two different operating modes yield a fuel consumption of only 1.9 l/100 km (123.80 US mpg), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 45 g/km (72.42 g/mile). In electric mode, there are zero local CO2 emissions - the compact Audi A1 e-tron Concept is thus ecological and economical.

The third impression that the Audi A1 e-tron Concept makes is that of a larger car. The compact two-door boasts all of the strengths of the new A1 model series - the carefully tuned, sporty chassis with specially designed 18 inch alloy wheels and 215/35 R18 tires; the generous, "grown-up" interior; the excellent fit and finish; and a multitude of high-end equipment.

Design
The concept car in Geneva has a special "Aqua Mint, pearl effect" paint finish; the contrasting roof arch is offset in "High Gloss Steel dark." As with the other two e-tron models, the 18-inch wheels with a 20-spoke turbine design convey the high-tech aspiration of the concept.
The rear diffuser with aluminum trim lacks tailpipes. This emphasizes the width of the vehicle and suggests the low emissions. The two front fenders are emblazoned with the "e-tron" logo.

Audi

Audi, 2012

= Audi A5 Coupe


Audi, 2011

Audi, 2010

= Audi A1 e-tron Concept
= Audi A4 allroad quattro

Audi, 2009

Audi, 2008

Audi, 2007

Audi, 2006

Audi, 2005

Volvo S60, 2011

 

Volvo S60, 2011

The all-new Volvo S60 makes its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2010.
In its overall shape, the all-new Volvo S60 is a coupé; sportier and more distinct than any previous Volvo. In its design, it promises excellent driving characteristics, even before you get behind the wheel. To deliver the highest levels of driving enjoyment, the chassis team have refined every single detail that influences a car's driving properties and fine-tuned the driving experience to offer the most dynamic ride ever seen before on a Volvo.

DESIGN
In its overall shape, the all-new Volvo S60 is a four-door coupé - sportier and more distinct than any previous Volvo.
The C-pillar of the all-new Volvo S60 stretches all the way to the tail lamps - and the slim coupé -like roof line is accompanied by a new contour on the shoulders on either side of the lower body. This creates a gentle double wave in the line from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear.

The Volvo S60's athletic stance is accentuated by a sculpted bonnet and short overhangs front and rear, plus what Volvo's design team calls the "racetrack" design. The car's lines do not end abruptly but instead continue to flow organically, echoing the smooth shapes of the racetrack.

This sporty appearance can be further enhanced with an exterior styling kit that incorporates front and rear skid plates, two frames in the lower valence, side scuff plates, exhaust tailpipe finishers and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Volvo's designers have also used LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology to create distinctive, signature lights at the front and rear that make the car clearly identifiable as an Volvo S60, even in the dark.
The all-new Volvo S60 is being introduced with a range of exterior colours including two new shades: Vibrant Copper and Electrum Gold.

NEW DYNAMIC CHASSIS
The new Volvo S60 is the most sporting Volvo ever built and during the development process, the chassis team refined every single detail to fine tune the driving experience. The result of their labours is a newly-developed Dynamic chassis, standard on every new Volvo S60.

The steering gear ratio is 10 per cent faster than in previous models to give enhanced steering feel and sharper response. The steering column's thicker tubing and stiffer bushes have increased torsional rigidity by 100 per cent. This also contributes to the increased feeling of direct contact with the wheels and the road.

The front spring struts have thicker pistons compared with the sports chassis in the Volvo S80. The resultant 47 per cent increase of stiffness means that the body structure is better able to absorb lateral loads. The springs themselves are shorter and stiffer than before and the Eigen frequency has increased by 10 per cent. At the front, spring strut mounting stiffness has increased by 50 per cent. The front and rear subframe bushes are up to twice as stiff compared with previous models. The link arm bushings have also been optimised for sporty driving and full control.

Advanced Stability Control
The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) in the all-new Volvo S60 has a number of sophisticated features to improve driving pleasure and safety. The Volvo S60 is the first saloon on the market with Volvo's Advanced Stability Control. With a new roll sensor, it's possible to identify any skidding tendency at a very early stage. This means that the anti-skid system can step in earlier and with greater precision. Advanced Stability Control is a great asset in dynamic driving that involves considerable lateral forces.

New Corner Traction Control for smoother curves
The dynamic new chassis is backed up by a range of electronic systems that further sharpen the sporty driving experience. Corner Traction Control is a new feature that uses torque vectoring so the car takes corners more smoothly. This technology is a further refinement of the DSTC system. When taking a curve, the car's inner driven wheel is braked at the same time as more power is transmitted to the outer driven wheel. This allows the driver to take the corner more tightly while reducing any tendency to understeer.

Advanced, integrated braking functions
A highly advanced braking system is an important part of the dynamic driving properties of the all-new Volvo S60. A number of features interact to provide the shortest possible stopping distance in all scenarios. Technology includes:

Ready Alert Brakes can predict when emergency braking is needed. The brake calipers are applied lightly to the brake discs even before the driver presses the brake pedal.
Hydraulic Brake Assist helps the driver brake in the shortest possible distance. In an emergency situation where the driver does not press the brake pedal fast or hard enough, Hydraulic Brake Assist can help utilise the ABS system optimally and thus shorten the overall braking distance.

Optimised Hydraulic Brakes is a system that amplifies braking ability during firm braking by using hydraulics to compensate for low vacuum pressure in the brake servo.
Fading Brake Support uses the hydraulic system to gradually build up brake pressure during long, hard braking. This helps reduce the risk of brake fade and maintains pedal feel.

FOUR-C as an option
All variants of the new Volvo S60 can be specified with the FOUR-C active chassis, which has been modified and refined for better control and comfort. This is an advanced, self-adjusting chassis system that uses a number of sensors to continuously monitor the car's behaviour. In mere fractions of a second, the dampers are adjusted to suit the current driving situation.
With three alternative chassis settings, all it takes is for the driver to press a button to alter the car's character: Comfort, Sport or Advanced.

ENGINE RANGE
At launch, the Volvo S60 range will be available with a choice of two diesels and one petrol engine. All the engines have been developed to meet the highest demands on sporty, dynamic driving with competitive fuel consumption.

Two five-cylinder turbo diesels
The high-performance twin turbo D5 produces 205 horsepower and 420Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 7.8 seconds (manual and automatic) and top speed is 146mph (manual) and 143mph (automatic). In the most recent D5 version, introduced in spring 2009, the performance and driveability requirements have been met by fitting two turbochargers of different sizes, one taking over from the other and providing added power within a broader rev range. The result is alert response and rapid acceleration at all speeds, with seamless transfers in the turbo rev range between the two turbochargers. The complementary properties of the two turbos combine high performance with lower fuel consumption of 47.9mpg (EU Combined, preliminary figure).

Smaller displacement lowers fuel consumption
In addition there is the newly-developed 2.0-litre D3 engine producing 163hp and 400Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 9.2 seconds (manual and automatic) and top speed is 137mph (manual) and 134 mph (automatic).
The new five-cylinder 2.0D is, in principle, the same engine as the present 2.4D, but cylinder capacity has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption. With a manual gearbox fuel consumption is now up to 54.3mpg (EU Combined, preliminary figure).

The engine has been optimised to offer reduced fuel consumption and the injection system has a different type of piezoelectrical fuel valve compared with the D5 engine. These valves keep fuel consumption to a minimum thanks to exceptionally fast and precise injection pulses under high pressure. This results in far more efficient combustion.