Audi of America today announced pricing for the much anticipated Audi TT RS. The 2012 TT RS is the pinnacle of the TT model line, and signifies the return of the RS nameplate to the U.S. The RS nameplate represents the highest performance category for Audi vehicles, and reflects the technical competencies gained through Audi motorsports successes. The Audi TT RS will be priced at $56,850 (excluding destination charges, taxes, title, options and dealer charges).

The Audi TT RS is powered by the award-winning 2.5 liter turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI engine that generates 360 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque between 1,650 and 5,400 rpm for power on demand. All engine components have been designed to cope with extreme loads and the demands of a thoroughbred sports engine. Forged six-bearing crankshaft, weight optimized connection rods, sodium cooled exhaust valves and lightweight pistons with specifically adapted ring assembly are indicative of the elements engineered into the TT RS.

• Introduction of TT RS marks the much anticipated return of the RS nameplate to U.S.
• TT RS fitted with a manual transmission and the award-winning, powerful 2.5 Liter TFSI® turbo-charged five-cylinder engine

The combination of FSI® injection and a high-efficiency turbocharger result in optimum combustion, superior power and rapid buildup of boost pressure even at low speeds. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive is standard. An automatic transmission is not available for the TT RS. The Audi TT RS accelerates from 0 – 60 mph in only 4.1 seconds, making it the fastest in its class.

Audi magnetic ride is standard on the TT RS, which allows the suspension characteristic to be actively altered; the driver benefits as the system constantly adapts to the current driving situation. A sport mode stiffens the magnetic ride, enhances throttle responsiveness, and activates a more striking engine sound via flaps in the exhaust system.

The aluminum and steel hybrid ASF® technology also found on the TT and TTS models, reduces weight while helping increase rigidity and safety. The coupe space frame is made up of 69% aluminum and 31% steel which makes it 48% lighter than a full steel frame. The ASF technology allows the TT RS to weigh a respectable 3,306 lbs. The Audi TT RS offers excellent aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.32 due to its optimized silhouette and smooth vehicle underbody.

The Audi TT RS features exclusive design elements denoting its special place at the top of the TT model line. The high gloss black diamond-patterned Singleframe® grille and large front air inlets give notice of the vehicles performance, as does the fixed rear wing spoiler that provides increased down force. Oval exhaust pipes, rear diffuser, unique 19” rotor wheels, prominent body sills and exterior mirror housings in matte aluminum finish round out the RS-specific design elements.

The interior of the Audi TT RS also features RS-exclusive appointments, such as the contoured 3-spoke sport multifunction steering wheel, aluminum door sills with the RS logo, and RS-specific interior door handles. Other interior features include 10-way power sport front seats with three-step heating, leather seat coverings, brushed aluminum interior inlays, and available LED ambient lighting.

The Audi TT RS offers electronic features one expects from Audi, including Audi concert radio with single CD player and MP3 reading capability, and AM / FM / SAT radio with a complimentary 3-month subscription to SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. Available advanced electronics offer an increased level of sophistication for the premium sports car, including technologies like Audi navigation plus with real time traffic, MMI® inspired controls, a BOSE® sound system, and Audi music interface.

The 2012 Audi TT RS is a unique car that will appeal to Audi enthusiasts and performance vehicle purists alike. The Audi TT RS goes on sale this summer.

Specifications

ENGINE:
Type: 2.5 liter turbocharged, in-line five-cylinder, spark-ignition engine with TFSI direct injection, four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts [DOHC], turbocharger with intercooler.
Arrangement: Front mounted, transverse
Bore: 3.25 in (82.5 mm)
Stroke: 3.65 in (92.8 mm)
Displacement: 151 / 3.25 / 3.65 (2480 / 82.5 x 92.8)
Compression ratio: 10:01
Fuel: Unleaded Super, 95 RON (unleaded regular, 91 RON, as an alternative with slight reduction in performance)
Horsepower (SAE): 360 hp @ 5,500 – 6,700 rpm (265 kW)
Max. torque: 343 lb-ft @ 1,650 – 5,400 rpm (465 Nm)

ENGINE DESIGN:
Cylinder block: Cast iron
Cylinder head: Aluminum
Valve train / intake: DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:
Battery: 380 amp, 80 amp/hr
Alternator: 140 amp

DRIVETRAIN:
Transmission: 6-speed manual, fully synchronized
Gear ratios:
1st 3.570
2nd 2.160
3rd 1.890
4th 1.430
5th 1.160
6th 0.097
Reverse 4.500

STEERING:
Type: Eletromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assistance
Ratio: 16.9 : 1
Turns (lock-to-lock): 2.9
Turning circle
(curb-to-curb): 35.96 ft (10.96 m)

SUSPENSION:
Front: MacPherson strut (gas charged) with aluminum 3-point lower control arm, aluminum sub frame, tubular anti roll bar, track stabilizing steering roll radius
Rear: Four-link rear suspension with separate spring/shock absorber arrangement

BRAKES:
Service brake: Dual-circuit brake system with diagonal split, ESC, hydraulic brake assistant, front and rear disc brakes ventilated
Front size: 14.6 in (370 mm)
Rear size: 12.2 in (310 mm)
Parking brake: Mechanically actuated at the rear wheels

WHEELS (standard only):
Size: Aluminum, 9Jx19

TIRES (standard only):
Size: 255/35 R19 Y

BODY:
Material: Hybrid ASF construction: Lightweight construction concept, which is a mixed construction using aluminum and steel
Corrosion protection: Multi-step anti-corrosion protection

CAPACITIES:
Engine oil: 6.9 qt (6.5 l)
Fuel tank: 15.90 gal (60 l)

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 97.2 in (2,468 mm)
Track front / rear: 61.2/ 60.9 in (1,555/ 1,546 mm)
Overall length: 165.3 in (4,198 mm)
Overall width: w/o mirrors 72.5 in (1,842 mm)
Height: 53.1 in (1,348 mm)
Curb weight, quattro: 3306 lb (1500 kg)
Drag coefficient: 0.32

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS:
Seating capacity: 2 + 2
Head room
front / rear: 37.7/ 32.6 in (957/ 829 mm)
Shoulder room
front / rear: 53.2/ 47.5 in (1,352/ 1,206 mm)
Leg room
front / rear: 41.1/ 29.3 in (1,044/ 743 mm)
Int. vol. (EPA)
front / rear: 47.7/ 26.2 cu ft
Luggage capacity
standard / seats folded: 13.1/ 24.7 cu ft (290/ 700 l)

PERFORMANCE:
0-60 mph 4.1
Top speed 174 mph

- Audi of America

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The hopes of American sports car enthusiasts will be realized. Audi announced today that it is bringing the 360-horsepower Audi TT RS coupe to the U.S. market by the third quarter of 2011.

The introduction of the Audi TT RS to the U.S. market has been under consideration for several months. To gauge consumer passion for the high-performance car, Audi launched an innovative survey on its Facebook tab. After more than 11,500 fans expressed their enthusiasm for the Audi TT RS in just one month, and the American automotive media praised its dynamics, Audi executives concluded the car’s time had come.

• High-performance sports coupe scheduled to arrive in U.S. dealerships by the third quarter of 2011
• ‘Bring it to the U.S.’ Facebook petition gathered 11,500+ signatures in just one month, including many likely buyers
• The Audi TT RS will achieve 360 hp, 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds

“With performance and agility rooted in Audi motorsports success, the TT RS is truly an emotional sports car,” explained Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “That emotion became abundantly clear as we explored interest across the country.”

Audi has not yet determined pricing for the Audi TT RS and will continue to define features and options available to U.S. consumers. Only the coupe version of the TT RS will be available in the U.S.

The Audi TT RS headed for America will share key performance attributes of the models sold in Europe and elsewhere. The car will come with the same, award-winning 2.5-liter TFSI, five-cylinder engine that generates 360 horsepower. The turbocharged engine also produces an impressive 332 lb-ft of torque. It was developed exclusively for the Audi TT RS and won International Engine of the Year honors this summer in judging for its category by 71 automotive journalists. The 2.5T engine will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive to achieve a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. The lightweight body featuring Audi Space Frame ASF® aluminum construction produces a low drag coefficient of 0.32.

- Audi of America

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Dynamic design, enthralling performance and exemplary efficiency – the Audi TT Coupe and the TT Roadster are now more attractive than ever. The design of the lightweight bodies made primarily of aluminum and the interior have been revised with great attention to detail, while new technologies lower the fuel consumption of the compact sports car. New to the lineup is a powerful and highly efficient four cylinder: The 2.0 TFSI develops 155 kW (211 hp), but is content with an average fuel consumption of just 6.6 liters per 100 kilometers (35.64 US mpg). 

Exterior design

The second generation TT Coupe and the TT Roadster have made a name for themselves as design icons, similar to their predecessors. Awards such as the 2007 ‘World Car Design of the Year’ document this status. A brawny, broad foundation, powerful shoulders and a flat roofline – the two compact sports cars have fascinatingly masculine lines. Their dynamic appearance is now even more expressive than ever.

The most obvious feature at the front of the car is the powerful bumper, which frames the larger air inlets with three-dimensional, sharply drawn out edges. The fog lights are set in chrome rings. Also sporting a new look are the lattice of the single-frame grille in high-gloss black and the optional xenon plus headlights. Twelve white LEDs arranged in a straight line at the lower edge of the headlights serve as the daytime running lights. These together with the wings in the headlight body are classic Audi design features.

The tubular, apparently floating reflectors of the tail lights add visual depth to the rear end of the car. The large tailpipes of the exhaust system – the 2.0 TFSI features a dual exhaust – and the larger, flat black diffuser set additional accents. A spoiler that extends at 120 km/h (74.56 mph) improves downforce.

The upgrades to the TT Coupe and the TT Roadster have added two centimeters (0.79 in) to both cars, which now measure 4,187 millimeters (13.74 ft) in length. The width of 1,842 millimeters (6.04 ft) and the height of 1,352 millimeters (4.44 ft) and 1,357 millimeters (4.45 ft) for the Coupe and Roadster, respectively, remain unchanged. The wheelbase measures 2,468 millimeters (8.10 ft). Four new metallic colors have been added to the TT color range: Scuba Blue, Oolong Gray, Volcano Red and Dakota Gray. Daytona Gray, pearl effect is also available with the S line package.

Body

A key factor for the groundbreaking efficiency and excellent driving dynamics of the TT is the body, which features hybrid Audi Space Frame technology (ASF). Lightweight aluminum is used at the front of the car back to the B-pillar, with steel panels used at the rear. This mix enabled the development engineers to balance the axial loads perfectly and keep the total weight extremely low – prime parameters for dynamic performance.

The TT 1.8 TFSI weighs a mere 1,240 kg (2,733.73 lb), a good 100 kilograms (220.46 lbs) less than its closest competitor. The body of the Coupés weighs only 206 kilograms (454.15 lb), which breaks down to 140 kilograms (308.65 lb) of aluminum (68 percent) and 66 kilograms (145.51 lb) of steel (32 percent). The specific reinforcements in the TT Roadster – steel bulkhead, strongly ribbed sills, A-pillar and windshield frame – result in a 58 to 42 percent split of the two materials.

The ASF bodies of the TT are not only extremely lightweight, they are also very strong and low-vibration, providing the foundation for sporty and precise handling, the quiet ride and the high passive safety. A package of finely tuned retention systems protects the passengers in the event of a crash. The classic cloth top of the TT Roadster is a perfect complement to Audi’s lightweight construction principle. It contributes to a low center of gravity, fits ideally into the design line and takes up little space when folded.

Audi offers the soft top in two variants. The manual version features a central latch for opening and closing the top. An electrohydraulic drive opens the optional fully-automatic top in just 12 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph). An additional acoustic mat further improves the already excellent acoustics and thermal insulation.

Interior

The interior of the TT features a sporty design, dynamic elegance and generous amounts of space. The standard sport seats are mounted low and offer a high level of lateral support. The steering wheel is flattened at the bottom. The five round air vents and the arched cowl over the round-dial instruments exude the spirit characteristic of the TT. The ergonomics are logical and the fit and finish is uncompromisingly precise – just like always with Audi. When the ignition is turned, the dials of the speedometer and tachometer briefly run up to the limit before returning to zero.

The designers have added additional gloss to the fine interior. New aluminum-look applications shine on the steering wheel, the center console and in the door liner. Elegant accents are provided by rings, frames and strips in high-gloss black. The aluminum strip above the glove box door is now brushed gray. There are three new interior colors from which to choose – nougat brown, titanium gray and garnet red. The leather seat covers are specially treated to reduce thermal heating by as much as 20 degrees Celsius (68° F) when the TT is parked in the sun.

The TT Coupe and the TT Roadster are sports cars with a high degree of everyday utility. The backs of both rear seats fold down in the 2+2-seater Coupé, expanding the trunk space beneath the long lid from 292 to 700 liters (10.31 – 24.72 cubic ft). The Roadster, which offers 250 liters (8.83 cubic ft) of storage space whether the top is up or down, can also be supplied with the option of a load-through facility.

Drivetrain

Three four-cylinder engines with turbocharging and direct fuel injection are available for both the TT Coupe and the TT Roadster. The two TFSI gasoline engines and the TDI combine sporty performance with groundbreaking efficiency – their fuel consumption figures have been reduced by up to 14 percent. All three engines are coupled with a recuperation system that recovers energy during braking and coasting phases.

New to the lineup is the 2.0 TFSI with 155 kW (211 hp), which replaces the 2.0 TFSI with 147 kW (200 hp) and the 3.2 FSI. With a manual transmission, the two-liter engine accelerates the Coupe from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 245 km/h (152.24 mph). Audi also offers the 2.0 TFSI with an optional drivetrain featuring the six-speed S tronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The spring from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) takes only 5.6 s in this configuration.

The Audi valvelift system AVS in the new 2.0 TFSI increases power, torque and efficiency. Equipped with a manual transmission, the TT 2.0 TFSI consumes only 6.6 liters of fuel per 100 km (35.64 US mpg) in the European test cycle. CO2 emissions are an exemplary 154 grams/km (247.84 g/mile). The best value posted by a competitor is 199 g/km (320.26 g/mile). Fuel consumption has improved by 1.1 liters/100 km over the previous model.

The 2.0 TFSI is a winner par excellence, having been named ‘Engine of the Year’ five years in a row by an international jury. Its technology package combines high output with impressive pulling power. A constant 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque are available between 1,600 and 4,200 rpm. The long-stroke engine, which is extremely cultivated thanks to two balance shafts, has been painstakingly optimized for minimal friction.

The Audi valvelift system adjusts the lift of the exhaust valves in two stages depending on need. This reduces flushing losses in the combustion chamber and also ensures that the optimal flow of the exhaust gas is directed to the turbocharger, which in turn ensures that torque is developed quickly.

The combination of turbocharging and direct fuel injection also reduces the combustion chamber temperatures and the resulting tendency to knock. This allows a high compression ratio of 9.6:1, which improves efficiency.

The TT engine lineup includes two other four-cylinder engines besides the new 2.0 TFSI. The 1.8 TFSI, available with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, delivers 118 kW (160 hp) and 250 Nm of torque (184.39 lb-ft), the latter between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. It launches the Coupe from a standing start to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, with a top speed of 226 km/h (140.43 mph). It consumes just 6.4 liters of fuel per 100 km (36.75 US mpg) on average, which corresponds to only 149 grams of CO2/km (239.79 g/mile). The TT 2.0 TDI remains the only sports car with a diesel engine in its segment, and its efficiency clearly sets the standard. The TT Coupe consumes just 5.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 US mpg), which corresponds to only 139 grams of CO2/km (223.70 g/mile). With 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque – the latter available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm – the standard sprint takes 7.5 seconds and acceleration continues until a top speed of 226 km/h (140.43 mph) is reached. The two-liter TDI is mated to a manual transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.

A precisely shifting six-speed manual transmission transfers power to the wheels regardless of the engine. Audi also offers the S tronic dual clutch transmission as an option for the new 2.0 TFSI. This transmission switches between its six gears with virtually no interruption to the supply of power. The high-tech gearbox shifts extremely quickly and comfortably, either fully automatically or manually as the driver desires. Manual shifts can be made using the optional paddles on the steering wheel.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is available as an option for the 2.0 TFSI with the S tronic; it comes standard with the 2.0 TDI. The hydraulic multi-plate clutch, which is mounted on the rear axle in the interest of weight distribution, is electronically controlled. During normal driving, it sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels, but can quickly transfer up to 100 percent to the rear wheels, if necessary.

The quattro drive provides substantially greater stability, traction and driving enjoyment, and is another unique selling point of the Audi TT in its class.

Chassis

The front suspension features McPherson struts, with aluminum components used to keep the weight of the unsprung masses low. The power steering is direct, sensitive and thanks to its electromechanical drive, highly efficient. The trailing arms of the four-link rear suspension are relatively soft in the interest of comfort. The connections to the three transverse links per wheel, on the other hand, are rigid in order to direct lateral forces into the body with precision.

Available as an option with all variants of the TT is the electronically controlled Audi magnetic ride shock absorber system, another high-tech feature that underscores the unique character of the compact sports car. A fluid containing tiny magnetic particles circulates through the dampers. When a voltage is applied to the magnetic field, the behavior of the particles changes and thus the damping behavior of the fluid changes. A computer fed with input from a bundle of sensors controls the adaptive damping.

The driver can choose between two base characteristics, which are now even more clearly differentiated. In ‘Normal’ mode, the movements of the TT Coupe and the TT Roadster are balanced – equally agile and comfortable. In ‘Sport’ mode, high damping forces largely suppress body roll. The TT is tautly connected to the road, and its setup is highly dynamic.

Another option is available in addition to Audi magnetic ride – the Sport button. The driver can use it to adjust the characteristic of the gas pedal (with manual transmissions), the amount of servo boost for the steering and the engine sound in two stages.

The range of wheels has also been reworked, and now features 14 variants. The TT 1.8 TFSI, the 2.0 TDI and the 2.0 TFSI roll off the assembly line on 17-inch aluminum wheels with size 245/55 tires.

Winter wheels are available in three sizes; the range of summer wheels extends all the way up to 9 J x 19 with size 255/35 tires. Mounted behind the large wheels are powerful brakes with large-diameter discs. The front discs are internally ventilated.

Equipment and trim

All versions of the TT Coupe and TT Roadster come with a rich array of standard equipment. Among the highlights are the ‘chorus’ audio system, a driver information system and – in the TT Coupe– an automatic climate control system. Two navigation systems, a universal cellular phone preparation and the sonorous Bose Surround Sound system are available as options. The optional xenon plus headlights can be combined with a cornering light function.

The onboard computer with efficiency program comes standard in the TT. It displays all of the consumption-relevant data on the central display, and gives the driver tips for efficient driving. The gear-change indicator indicates the proper gear. Another function provides information on which vehicle systems, such as the climate control system, are consuming energy and how that effects fuel consumption.

Customizing fans will find a rich selection available in Color & Trim. It begins with the optional leather upholstery and includes four leather packages, an application package and two S line packages. The S line exterior package focuses on design modifications in the area of the bumpers, the air inlets and the diffuser. The S line sport package features a black interior with many fine details in such places as the steering wheel, the seat covers and the applications. 18-inch wheels and body lowered by 10 millimeters (0.39 in) make the handling even more dynamic.

The updated TT Coupe and the TT Roadster will debut on the German market this summer with only minimal changes in price. The 1.8 TFSI will be available from €30,200.

The Audi TTS and the Audi TT RS

The Audi TTS, both in Coupe and Roadster body styles, combine enthralling sportiness with cultivated comfort. Its two-liter TFSI with the large turbocharger and many additional modifications pumps out 200 kW (272 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, the latter from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. It accelerates the TTS Coupe with the optional S tronic from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.2 seconds, up to a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). With the S tronic, the Coupé consumes an average of only 7.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (30.55 US mpg).

The TTS comes standard with the Audi magnetic ride adaptive shock absorber technology, the Sport button and a high-performance brake system. Visual cues to its identity are provided by the 18-inch wheels with size 245/40 tires and a new grille combined with chrome air inlets. A new color combination – spectral silver/black – is available for the interior.

The dynamic spearhead of the TT model series is the TT RS, which is likewise available as a Coupe or a Roadster. Its turbocharged, inline 5-cylinder engine draws 250 kW (340 hp) of power from 2.5 liters of displacement. 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) of torque are available between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. It nevertheless averages just 9.2 liters of fuel per 100 km (25.57 US mpg).

The TT RS Coupe rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.14 mph) in 4.6 seconds; quattro GmbH will raise the top speed from 250 to 280 km/h (155.34 to 173.98 mph) upon request. A sound flap in the exhaust system further intensifies the distinctive five-cylinder sound. A manual six-speed transmission with a sportily narrow gearing currently delivers the power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Starting this fall, Audi will also offer the option of the TT RS with a newly developed version of the S tronic that can handle the tremendous torque of the powerful five-cylinder engine. The compact layout of the seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission makes it suitable for transverse mounting in combination with the quattro all-wheel drive system.

The TT RS Coupe with the S tronic launches itself from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.4 seconds. The TT RS Roadster requires 0.1 seconds more for this discipline – a bat of an eye less than with the manual transmission. Distinctive design details, 18-inch wheels and an extremely powerful brake system are standard with the TT RS.

Note: This release contains European information, some information may not apply for the US

- Audi AG

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On-campus celebration of the Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Laboratory (VAIL) includes next-generation autonomous vehicle demonstrations and introduction of the Pikes Peak Audi TT

Volkswagen Group of America Inc. (VWGoA) and Stanford University’s School of Engineering today unveiled the Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Laboratory (VAIL), the next step in the evolution of the two organizations’ commitment to drive innovation in automotive development.

The Volkswagen Group has donated $5.75 million to the creation of VAIL, including $2 million for building construction and another $750,000 a year for five years to fund research and teaching activities where Stanford researchers and international visiting scholars will work with automotive equipment manufacturers and Silicon Valley experts. 

This continued collaboration builds on Stanford and VWGoA’s already successful partnership, including the development of the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge winner. Stanley, an autonomous driving Touareg, is now on display at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Stanley was followed in 2007 with an autonomous driving Passat wagon, Junior, that was runner up in the DARPA Urban Challenge.

‘Stanford and Volkswagen are ideal partners. This collaboration can draw on a long-standing relationship between the Volkswagen Group and Stanford, which continues to increase the exchange between industrial and academic talent. The Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Lab takes this partnership one step further, and is focused on the university’s campus,’ said Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen, chairman and chief executive, Bentley Motors. ‘The goals are to accelerate automotive-related research on campus, increase opportunities for collaboration between the VW Group and Stanford, and build a global community of academic and industrial partners committed to the future of automotive research. The focus will be vehicle safety, mobility and environmental performance.’

The VWGoA and Stanford reception is Saturday, October 24 from 4:30-6:30pm and will include nearly 500 invited attendees. Tomorrow’s private reception is open to the media. Located near the corner of Stock Farm Rd. and Campus Drive West., it will offer a variety of activities including:

• Driving and parking demonstrations with some of the industry’s most innovative autonomous vehicles, including Junior jointly developed by the VW Group and Stanford;
• A public showing of models and plans for the building housing VAIL, which currently is under construction on the campus;
• An unveiling of the newest iteration of driverless vehicles, the Pikes Peak Audi TT-S;
• Presentations and demonstrations by various VW Group executives, university officials and Stanford engineering students.

‘When the new building opens early next year, VAIL will provide a home on campus for faculty and students from around the university to work on advanced automotive research,’ said Jim Plummer, dean of the Stanford School of Engineering. ‘Transportation is a globally important area in which engineers play a vital role. We look forward to years of productive collaboration with industry in our research and thank Volkswagen for their partnership and support for this work.’

The first VAIL workshop was held in November 2008 at the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in New York. Highlights included Junior autonomously driving through downtown New York and the unveiling the Audi Clean Air Initiative – the vision of linked, intelligent vehicles that are able to interact with each other and their drivers, with the goal of preserving the environment.

Through its Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL), Volkswagen has the largest research presence of any automaker in the Bay Area. Founded in 1998, the ERL includes more than 50 engineers and staff and is one of the company’s centers of ideas and innovation for the Volkswagen Group worldwide. The ERL takes a unique, Silicon Valley approach to giving drivers a safer, eco-friendly and more enjoyable driving experience. This has led to numerous driver assisted technologies and communication tools that help drivers stay safer behind the wheel, such as Apple iPhone integration, 3D graphics, speech recognition and LED headlights.

‘By partnering with a prestigious university such as Stanford, we’ve built a global community of academic and industry professionals that are committed to the future of automotive research,’ said Dr. Burkhard Huhnke, executive director, Electronics Research Laboratory, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. ‘Our event is intended to showcase the successful partnership between VW and Stanford that has helped drive automobile innovation into the future.’

- VWGoA

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• Audi confirms the efficiency of its cars on a long-distance trip
• Over 4,000 kilometers through Europe with 20 models from the Audi product range
• Efficiency: standard in every Audi

4,182 kilometers through Europe in nine days, from Å on the Lofoten archipelago in Norway to Bée in northern Italy – Audi is proving the efficiency of its vehicles on the ‘Efficiency Challenge A to B.’ 120 journalists and customers of the brand are taking the wheel in 20 cars from five model series for the tour.

The saying ‘driving from A to B’ also stands for daily mobility – for the variety of individual transportation that we take for granted. Audi is now taking this literally, with the ‘Audi Efficiency Challenge A to B.’ The tour starts in the north of Europe, in the Norwegian town of Å on the Lofoten islands, and runs through eight countries to Bée on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. Efficiency is an on-board standard in every Audi, which is why the company is sending not only the particularly optimized fuel-efficient models from five model series on the Efficiency Challenge, but also the sporty top models of each line.

The fuel-saving Audi A3 1.6 TDI with CO2 emissions of 99 grams per kilometer (159.33 g/mile) is joined by the S3 Sportback; the A4 2.0 TDI e by the S4 with 333 hp; and the A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI by the A5 Sportback 3.2 FSI. Representing the Audi Q7 model series are the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro and the Audi Q7 6.0 TDI quattro; and the TT 2.0 TDI quattro is hitting the road along with the dynamic TT RS.

The efficiency leader

Audi is the efficiency leader among the premium manufacturers, with 32 models currently emitting less than 140 grams of CO2 per kilometer (225.31 g/mile). The latest version of the Audi A3 1.6 TDI, which emits only 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer (159.33 g/mile), is making its world premier at the ‘A to B’ challenge and can demonstrate its efficiency under real-world conditions. The A4 2.0 TDI e with its 100 kW (136 hp) 2.0 TDI power unit emits only 119 g of CO2 per kilometer (191.51 g/mile). Audi’s modular efficiency platform plays a decisive role in this impressive achievement, bundling a broad portfolio of effective technologies.

Audi uses these new solutions in a variety of ways across the entire product line. The S4’s mechanically supercharged V6 engine produces 245 kW (333 hp), yet consumes only 9.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.25 US mpg) in the EU driving cycle. The TT RS, whose five-cylinder, turbocharged engine produces 250 kW (340 hp), consumes on average only 9.2 liters/100 km (25.27 mpg).

The Audi Efficiency Challenge kicks off today, September 22, and ends on September 30. It is 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, 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.

- Audi AG

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• Dynamic and efficient: Audi – pioneer of lightweight design
• Over 550,000 cars with an aluminum body since 1994
• New materials and technologies for the cars of tomorrow

Audi is the worldwide leader in the field of lightweight design. For 15 years Audi has been producing aluminum bodies based on the Audi Space Frame (ASF). Numerous patents and awards document the innovative power of this technology.

Lightweight design is one of Audi’s greatest strengths and also typical of the brand because it combines dynamics with efficiency. The engineers are working on many new ideas for making the cars even lighter and thus even more efficient. For Audi, lightweight design is a fundamental technology for the sustainable mobility of the future.

Aluminum was an interesting material for bodies even back in the pioneering days of the automobile, and important inspiration was drawn from aeronautical engineering. In 1913, NSU built the Type 8/24, a model having a body made entirely of aluminum. Ten years later, the Audi Type K wore an experimental streamlined skin of this same material. In the 1930s, specialists from the Racing department of Auto Union manufactured aluminum panels by hand and used them to build the bodies and streamlining panels for their spectacular racing cars and land speed record cars.

825 kilograms: the 1936 Auto Union Type C

According to the Grand Prix rules for the years 1934 to 1937, the cars were not permitted to weigh more than 750 kilograms (1653.47 lb) without operating fluids, wheels and tires. The radical lightweight design that resulted drove performance to breathtaking heights. The 1936 Auto Union Type C, which tipped the scales at 825 kilograms (1818.81 lb) ready to race, had a V16 supercharged engine producing a good 380 kW (520 hp) mounted in front of the rear axle. Each horsepower had to propel just 1.6 kilograms (3.53 lb), hardly more than with a modern Le Mans sports prototype.

Lightweight design advanced to the level of a strategic project at Audi in 1982, at which time the company established a joint venture with an aluminum company from the United States. The mission was nothing more and nothing less than to once again reinvent the self-supporting body, but this time with a material that is roughly two-thirds lighter than conventional steel and also with a new geometry tailored to this material – the Audi Space Frame.

The development work was organized as an integrated project. A process that generated more than 40 patents and patent applications also developed a broad base of expertise in all areas – alloys, casting, shaping and joining of the parts. In 1985, Audi presented the body of an Audi 100 made of aluminum but still using a conventional monocoque design. The legendary concept sports cars from the fall of 1991, the Audi Avus quattro and the Audi quattro Spyder, had skins of the light metal but underneath were still supporting frames.

1993: The ASF technology study

The new technology was ready for series production in 1993: A shining silver showcar with an unpainted body of polished aluminum was on display at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The predecessor to the A8 bore the designation ASF, the abbreviation for Audi Space Frame. The production model that debuted the following year was a milestone in the history of the automobile: the first large-volume production car with a self-supporting aluminum body.

The A8 paved the way for Audi into the premium league, and it also sparked new developments for the traditional material of steel.

The principle embodied by the first A8 still applies today: Diecastings and extruded sections form a framework-like skeleton that incorporates aluminum panels as co-supporting elements. The components with their various cross-sections and shapes combine optimal function with low weight.

Compared to steel, an ASF body is at least 40 percent lighter. The body of the first A8 weighed only 249 kilograms (548.95 lb); that of the A2 compact (from 1999) weighed only 156 kilograms (343.92 lb). The superstructure of the A2 1.2 TDI – the world’s first four-door, three-liter car – weighed in at only 135 kilograms (297.62 lb), which was a decisive factor in the sensational average fuel consumption of 2.99 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers (78.67 US mpg).

A8, R8, TT and TT Roadster: the state of the art

Today’s models – the second generation of the A8 and the R8, TT Coupé and TT Roadster sports cars – document the current state of the ASF technology. The superstructure of the current A8 weights 218 kilograms (350.84 lb). The aluminum body of the R8, whose co-supporting engine frame is made of ultra light magnesium, tips the scales at 210 kilograms (462.97 lb). With the V10 engine producing 368 kW (525 hp), the entire car weighs only 1,620 kilograms (3,571.49 lb). Its specific weight is 3.1 kilograms (6.83 lb) per hp – the same as that of a well-trained athlete without a single gram of fat on his frame.

The body of the TT Coupé weighs in at 206 kilograms (454.15 lb); that of the TT Roadster at 251 kilograms (553.36 lb). The TT family also features an additional innovation. To ideally balance the axle loads between the front and back, Audi developed an innovative hybrid construction for its compact sports cars: Most of the body is made of aluminum, but steel is used in the rear.

Depending on the model, the curb weight of the TT has been reduced by between 20 and 90 kilograms (44.09 and 198.42 lb) compared to the previous model, which still had an all-steel body. At the same time, the static torsional rigidity of the Coupé increased by 50 percent and that of the Roadster by an even more impressive 100 percent. The ASF provides the foundation for the precise handling, the driving dynamics and the high level of passive safety. A lighter car has to dissipate less kinetic energy and is also does less damage to others involved in the accident.

The lightweight design combines sportiness and efficiency in typical Audi fashion. The TT 2.0 TDI quattro – a sports car with 125 kW (170 hp), 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque and all-wheel drive – contents itself with 5.3 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers (44.38 lb-ft) and emits just 139 grams of CO2 per kilometer (223.70 g/mile). Its dynamic driving performance – it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 226 km/h (140.43 mph) – are the result of the intelligent application of lightweight design. Audi uses lightweight design as an integrated approach to resolving the former paradox between driving pleasure and efficiency.

ASF: the reversal of the weight spiral

The reversal of the weight spiral that Audi initiated with the ASF principle has major secondary effects. A lighter body is the starting point for weight reductions on other parts of the car, such as the chassis or the fuel tank. Every 100 kilograms (220.46 lb) saved reduces fuel consumption by 0.3 to 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers, corresponding to a reduction of 8 to 11 grams of CO2 per kilometer (12.87 to 17.70 g/mile).

A low body weight already harmonizes ideally with the Audi principle of downsizing, according to which turbocharging replaces displacement. The highly efficient engines make further significant contribution to lowering fuel consumption. Lightweight bodies are even an absolute prerequisite for the electric drive systems of the future with their heavy batteries. The performance and range expected by the customers cannot be achieved without them.

Audi has already built more than 550,000 vehicles with an aluminum body. Added to this are roughly 9,000 Lamborghinis – no other manufacturer in the world can even come close in terms of the number of vehicles or their diversity. The ASF technology is an unparalleled success story. Audi has increased its lead step by step: in alloys, in the reduction of the number of parts and in production efficiency. Numerous innovations in development and production have raised the level of automation from 25 to over 80 percent, which is nearly on par with steel body construction.

In fabrication, traditional spot welding is being replaced by joining methods developed by Audi, including punch riveting, bonding or laser-MIG hybrid welding. In the TT and the R8, self-tapping screws are used to join many of the components. Another innovation is the laser-welded invisible seam on the roof of the TT.

The perfect interplay throughout the entire process chain – from development and planning, the building of the machines, fixtures and tools to the press shop, body shop and the paint shop to assembly – culminates in the utmost precision. The ideas of the designers are implemented to within a tenth of a millimeter in accordance with Audi’s stringent quality standards.

The Aluminum and Lightweight Design Center in Neckarsulm

In 1994, Audi established a special Aluminum Center at the Neckarsulm site for development, production planning and quality assurance. This facility was renamed the Aluminum and Lightweight Design Center in 2003. High-strength steels, tailored blanks, fiber-reinforced plastics and magnesium play an increasingly important role here. The head of the Aluminum and Lightweight Design Center, Heinrich Timm, says, ‘Aluminum remains the primary material, but we are intensively investigating the other materials, with our primary focus on fiber-reinforced composites.’

The lessons learned at the Aluminum and Lightweight Design Center innovation foundry, which employs 150, have already served as the basis for a three-digit number of patents in development and production – a balance they can be proud of. The European Patent Office named Audi ‘European Inventor of the Year 2008’ for its achievements with the ASF technology.

Prestigious award: The Euro Car Body Award

Audi won another prestigious trophy in 2006 for the TT hybrid construction – the Euro Car Body Award presented by the renowned Automotive Circle International. Audi had previously won this important innovation prize for body construction in 2003 in recognition of the A8.

A third award followed in 2008 for the Q5 – lightweight design is also a top priority for bodies made of steel panels. At only 355 kilograms (782.64 lb), the mid-size SUV has the lightest body in its class. Hot-shaped, ultra-high-strength steels form the strong backbone of its superstructure. They achieve their extremely high strength by being heated in a pass-through furnace to roughly 920 degrees Celsius (1688° Fahrenheit) and then subsequently cooled to approximately 180 degrees Celsius (356° Fahrenheit) in chilled press tools.

Lightweight design in the rest of the vehicle

Audi also makes systematic use of lightweight design in the drive chain and the chassis. Many engines uses aluminum and vermicular graphite cast iron, which is the result of a high-tech production process, to reduce the weight of the crankcase. Many models have chassis with predominately aluminum parts. Carbon fiber-ceramic brake discs are available as an option in the high-performance models. Other highlights of lightweight design include brake calipers, hoods and trunk lids, side panels or cover components made of aluminum and steering wheel rims or instrument panel mounts made of magnesium.

Experience from the world of motor sports flows back into the development work – the reduction and distribution of weight are extremely important for the Le Mans sports prototypes and the DTM (touring) cars. The race cars provide the production development engineers with important information about carbon and its combination with metal.

Research continues into new materials and alloys, with the focus on minimal weight with maximum durability as well as design and fabrication compatible with the materials. Audi will continue to expand its leadership role – the Vorsprung durch Technik in lightweight design.

- Audi AG

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Turns out that a demo of damage-modeling Gran Turismo 5 was indeed playable on the Gamescom show floor this week.

And in the middle of all of those demo stations was this midnight black Audi TT hooked up to a Playstation 3, hydraulics and smoke machines.

People stood in line to sit inside the real car and drive a digital one in GT5 while watching their performance on a big screen located in front of the car. Sharp turns and bumps made the Audi wiggle a bit as well.

- Kotaku

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Audi of America is initiating a voluntary recall involving 2,500 Audi A3, Audi TT and Audi TT Roadster models built between September 2008 and August 2009.

The recall applies to 2009 MY A3, TT and TT Roadster models equipped with S tronic transmissions during that production window. A very limited number of 2010 MY A3 cars equipped with S tronic transmissions are also affected. More than a quarter of the cars involved in the recall, or 667, are in dealer stock or at delivery ports. They will be inspected before sales to customers.

Some customers with the affected vehicles have experienced illuminated warning lamps in the dashboard, and in rare instances, reported that the transmission went into ‘neutral.’ This issue can be caused by a temperature sensor connection to the transmission that was insufficiently crimped by the parts supplier.

In the coming weeks, owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted by Audi of America to schedule an appointment at their local dealer to have their vehicle inspected and repaired, if necessary.

Customers who have questions or concerns should contact the Audi Customer Relations Campaign Help Line at 1-800-253-AUDI (2834).

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Chicagoland Audi enthusiasts gain a new way to push performance limits

• Chicagoland Audi dealers form new partnership with Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Ill.
• Audi Chicagoland dealers are sponsoring Audi TTS and S5 for ‘The Autobahn Experience’
• Program allows track time on private raceway with professional driving instructors

Audi Chicagoland dealers formed a regional partnership with the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Ill. to provide a new opportunity for Audi owners and enthusiasts to experience high-performance test drives.

The new program within the club’s ‘The Autobahn Experience’ will feature two performance-oriented Audi models, the Audi TTS Coupe and the Audi S5 Coupe. The Audi TTS Coupe features quattro® all-wheel drive, magnetic ride control suspension, aluminum ASF® construction, 265 hp, and a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds. The Audi S5 features rear-biased quattro all-wheel drive, Audi drive select to customize handling and feel, 354 hp with a V8 engine, and a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds.

Contact information after the jump

The program consists of track time designed for performance-oriented customers interested in sharpening their skills on a challenging private raceway. Professional driving instructors provide a hands-on approach to the learning experience, combining autocross and track training.

‘When looking for an exclusive partner in Chicagoland to provide hands-on customer excitement, Autobahn Country Club was the clear choice,’ said Scott Zuercher, Area General Manager for Chicago, Audi of America. ‘The proximity to Chicago, high-quality facilities, and staff expertise all contributed to making the project become a reality. This is a great opportunity for customers to test drive the latest Audi performance models. Our dealer partners in Chicagoland all benefit from the investment of customer enjoyment and familiarization with the Audi brand.’

‘The typical Audi customer is a perfect match for Autobahn Country Club,’ said Mark Basso, President and Founder, Autobahn Country Club. ‘In addition to the highest levels of performance and efficiency, the high safety rankings found with most Audi models fit the precautions that are carried out by our instructors.’

The Autobahn Country Club also provides various programs, including 1, 2, and half-day driving schools, teen defensive education program, and Kart Instruction. Autobahn Country Club also provides police training to many departments in and around Chicagoland.

About Audi Chicagoland Dealers
To find a listing of Audi Chicagoland dealers, please visit www.audichicagoland.com and click on ‘Locate a Dealer’.

About Autobahn Country Club
Autobahn Country Club was founded in 2005 and is owned and operated by Mark Basso, Tim O’Donnell, Mike Keck, and Steve Wagner. For more information, please visit www.autobahncountryclub.net or call 815-722-2223

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