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Audi celebrates the 40th anniversary of Audi Sport GmbH, which emerged from quattro GmbH founded in 1983, with the Audi RS e-tron GT (combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km [62.1 mi]: 22.1–19.8, combined CO2 emissions in g/km [g/mi]: 0) as a special edition: The ice race edition embodies a new form of individualization. This edition enriches the emotional portfolio of Audi exclusive – an offering that has delighted the brand’s distinguished clientele for some three decades now.

 

Audi draws its inspiration for this edition from the unique GP Ice Race in Austria. The color tones of the world of snow are reflected on the outer skin of the body and are continued in the interior. With its basic color Florett silver metallic and the black carbon roof in combination with a striking foil warp, the Audi RS e-tron GT ice race edition appears magical at first sight. The colors silver and white symbolize sparkling snow crystals and ice lakes, the purple accents evoke images of shimmering ski goggles. The precise accentuations and transparent patterns harmoniously, yet excitingly, reproduce the style of mountainous winter worlds. This color scheme is continued in the interior: seat center panels, shoulder arches and side bolsters in diamond silver leather emphasize this character. Combined with black leather sections and contrasting purple stitching, the four-door Gran Turismo spoils you with an exclusive ambience. Striking details round off the interior experience. “This new style of the ice race edition underscores the emotional pinnacle of electric mobility at Audi,” says Bernhard Neufeld, Head of Audi exclusive. “Our customization gives this electric Gran Turismo a very special personality.”

The ice race edition is inspired by the design ideas of the Audi RS e-tron GT ice race concept show car and is now available in a special edition of only 99 units for Europe. The basis for the limited edition is the unchanged 440 kW RS e-tron GT. Customers can charge it at more than 500,000 public charging points in Europe with a single card using the Audi charging service. With fast DC charging at a maximum of 270 kW, five minutes of charging time is sufficient for about 100 kilometers of driving under ideal conditions.

Exterior with unique combination of paint and foil wrap

Started in 1952 and revived in 2019, the GP Ice Race event is derived from Scandinavian skijoring, but the race cars pull the skiers and there are show and demo runs. Drifting race cars from the past and present in Zell am See create their own spectacle in a snowy mountain region. The Mankei, an alpine pasture on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, also belongs to this world. Audi Design was inspired by this topography and its colors and created a unique piece – the Audi RS e-tron GT ice race concept. Now the designers transfer the unique associations almost unchanged into a special edition. “Combining the past, the future and mirrored sports sunglasses as a starting point, created a look that makes the Audi RS e-tron GT stand out,” said Christopher Kroener, Color and Trim designer. “I wanted the vehicle to pay homage to the thrilling motorsport atmosphere and the spirit of past racing legends, while looking to the future. The allusions to ice and snow add a special dimension to the design. The color play between white and silver pays homage to the cool atmosphere. It is meant to pick up on the icy glitter and shimmer of the snow and convey the feeling of speed and dynamism experienced at the GP Ice Race during winter in Zell am See.”

Starting from the body color in Florett silver metallic, the RS e-tron GT receives a foil wrap. The foil works with targeted transparencies and does not cover the entire surface. Although all exterior components are foil wrapped, this gives the foil a partial effect. The effect achieved by this type of wrap is that it adds white tones three-dimensionally to the monochrome silver background. Contrasting violet elements set striking accents. The patterns of the foils abstract ice crystals and transfer the hatching symbolism into a new world of color. The designers have taken ideas from the concept – including the brand emblems of the four rings at the front and rear in white instead of the traditional shades of chrome or black. 21-inch rims in black, a black roof made of CFRP and privacy glazing add a note of stability and road-holding to the nuanced lightness of the light-colored body.

Interior combines exclusivity from leather to MMI

A sporty look catches the eye right from the first glance inside: the interior appears to be that of a four-seater due to the division of colors, but is approved for five people. The seat center panels, shoulder arches and side bolsters of the leather seats are presented in diamond silver, contrasted against the black areas. This idea relies on accent colors that are applied in smaller areas, but never over the entire surface. With this, Audi exclusive has individualized the interior in coordination with the exterior and the foil wrap. A new steering wheel, finished in a leather-Alcantara combination, has a color mark in diamond silver in the twelve o’clock position, like in racing cars. Expressive accents in the center console and dashboard, floor mats with modified RS logos and the Audi exclusive badges round off the interior of the ice race edition. The contrasting stitching in purple also subtly picks up on a striking exterior attribute in the interior.

“We have also realized the high level of exclusivity in the digital world,” says Michael Binder, product manager of Audi exclusive. “In the MMI display, we offer a bespoke MMI background image for the special edition. In parallel, the familiar selection options continue in the theme worlds section.” With the changed background image in the MMI, the RS e-tron GT ice race edition lettering is displayed in the lower left of the screen. At the bottom right, customers can see the unique serial number of their exclusive edition. This means that this feature, which has always been identifiable by badges in the analog world, has now arrived in the digital world for the first time. The ambient lighting switches to purple when the mountain motif is selected. However, all the familiar MMI features remain unchanged in parallel with the new features of the ice race edition. They can also still be freely selected on demand.

Customization with around 30 years of tradition

The ice race edition is the latest offering from a creative think tank. When Audi began its customization program in 1995, the company achieved milestones early on in the premium sector. Office packages for the first generation of the Audi A8 with a fridge box, bar compartment, VHS player coupled with a monitor, folding table and electrically operated curtains testified to the pioneering spirit of quattro GmbH at the time. With an awareness of high individuality, the department even set trends against prevailing standards: black-painted Audi rings were not yet a practice at the time, but have become established as an option thanks to the daring creativity of the subsidiary. Today, they are an integral part of sought-after styling packages. Audi has also made great progress in production: Whereas in the past, refinements often required manual reworking in the workshop, the brand has now succeeded in incorporating highly sought-after individualizations directly on the production line.

The variety of body colors in the Audi Sport GmbH range is particularly attractive. While the standard range of most models includes ten to eleven options, several dozen individual paint finishes clearly complement this offer. If desired, tones from an even wider spectrum from the automotive sector can be selected. The special experience gained from almost 30 years of customization includes the specific requirements of individual markets in terms of color schemes and other equipment features: In Asia, for example, other attractive color combinations are more popular than in Europe. There are also general trends: For example, some customers currently prefer matte silver or nardo gray as paint colors. The Audi exclusive customizer, a configurator introduced in 2022, allows a much more detailed 3D visualization of thousands of design combinations than before.

The sporty Audi subsidiary also demonstrated its pioneering spirit from 2005 with the Audi exclusive studios at Audi Forum Neckarsulm and Audi Forum Ingolstadt. They enable comprehensive personal customer consultations. In addition to the highly customizable Audi exclusive offerings, the exclusive concept editions introduced in 2009 offer exquisite but preconfigured equipment combinations. The Audi Q7 coastline exclusive concept, for example, had a parquet floor from boat building. A few years later, the Audi R8 GT borrowed closely from racing with bucket seats, a fire extinguisher, four-point seat belts and a roll bar. Special production runs of two- to three-digit numbers, often for local or regional markets, continue to keep Audi exclusive orders flowing today. The 25th anniversary package available for several models, the Nogaro edition of the Audi RS 6 Avant performance in memory of the Audi RS 2 Avant or the TT RS iconic edition are examples of editions in demand.

Even in the future, the creative minds at Audi will not run out of ideas. With new selections such as edition-specific MMI background images, individualization also extends to the virtual world. Image motifs for the MMI display, the expansion of theme worlds, new atmospheres through ambient lighting, and an expansion of Audi exclusive into digital areas represent completely new elements. New editions, expanded color options and materials, such as Dinamica in new design packages, further deepen the offering. They point the way to a future in which the combination of classic equipment features with virtual immersion promises even more intense experiences.

 
 
Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Audi is updating the flagship of the Q family with a pure design and upgraded technology. The revised exterior aesthetic with new front and rear aprons underscores the strong character of the SUV coupé. The optionally available S line exterior package caters to customers who desire more sportiness. For the first time, Audi is equipping the Q8 with HD Matrix LED headlights, including a laser as an additional high beam. These headlights feature digital daytime running lights and selectable light signatures. Digital OLED rear lights with four selectable rear light designs complete the expanded light offering. New wheels, colors, decorative inlays, and seats with contrast stitching highlight the car’s top position among the Q models. The new Audi Q8 starts at 86,700 euros.

Revised, generous, striking: the exterior design

With its expressive design, the revised Q8 is a sporty, elegant SUV coupé from the brand with the four rings. With its clean shape, generous surfaces, and clear volumes, the Q8 paints a dynamic picture. The short overhangs and long wheelbase make for sporty, elegant proportions that can be accentuated with distinctive exterior colors and wheels.

The unmistakably powerful and upright Audi Singleframe with an octagon design now impresses with vertical inlays. They are arranged in teardrop shape in the base exterior and designed in the shape of an L in the S line exterior package and the SQ8 TFSI1. This makes it clear at first glance that the Q8 belongs to Audi’s top models and clearly differentiates it from the A models. The self-assured appearance of the Q8 is underscored by the new prominent air intakes, which are clearly integrated into the car’s basic architecture.

Audi has systematically reduced the decorative elements for an even more puristic design. In order to distinguish the base version, S line exterior package, and S model at first glance, the front bumper area, door attachment trim, and diffuser in the base model come in contrasting colors that underline the robust off-road look. New for all Audi Q8 units is an exhaust system with premium-quality, visually appealing tailpipes. Aligned even more closely with the SQ8 TFSI1, the S line exterior package stands out with its clearly accentuated side air intakes in the front bumper.

The Singleframe is sure to impress with its independent color scheme. The optionally available Black and Black Plus optics packages set striking accents in the exterior around the Audi Singleframe, the trim on the side windows, and the front and rear bumpers. What’s more, the Singleframe mask comes finished in high-gloss black.

The innovative headlights featuring HD Matrix LED technology and an additional laser light as well as the digital daytime running lights positioned on the upper horizontal edge give the Q8 an even more self-assured expression. In conjunction with the digital OLED rear lights, which are available for the first time in the Q8, the premium-class character of the model becomes even clearer. At the rear, an LED light strip together with black high-gloss trim and integrated Audi rings links the digital OLED rear lights across the entire width of the car.

The Audi Q8 bears Audi’s new, modern corporate identity. Specifically, this is the newly two-dimensional rings that debuted in the Q8 e-tron. They are visually impressing through their greater precision. Instead of chrome, the new four rings come in contrasting white and black; as part of an optional package, the white of the rings is replaced with a dark gray that still looks like high-gloss black. In the Q8, the B-pillar now also bears the model, derivative, and technology identifier.

A new kind of individualization: headlights and rear lights

High-intensity LED headlights light up the road in the Q8 as standard; Matrix LED headlights are available as an option. HD Matrix LED headlights with the Audi laser light are also available, which work with 24 LEDs and a high-power laser diode each and are immediately recognizable via a blue ambient light incorporated into the headlights. The laser light becomes active starting at 70 km/h (43.5 mph) and significantly increases the high beam range. New for the top-of-the-range headlights are digital daytime running light signatures. They give the Q8 its characteristic and unmistakable appearance by allowing the user to select one of four individual light signatures via the MMI. It's not just the expanded range of functions in the headlights that is novel – their design is also fresh. The higher positioning of the daytime running lights gives the Q8 more visual width and also creates a flowing, formal connection between the headlights and the Singleframe. For the first time, the Q8 also features large digitalized OLED rear lights (OLED = organic light emitting diode) as an optional extra, which also feature four digital light signatures in conjunction with the headlights.

Similar to the Audi A8 and Q5, the digital OLED rear lights in the Q8 incorporate a proximity indication feature that works in tandem with the assistance systems. When vehicles from behind come within two meters (6.6 ft) of the stationary Q8, the control units trigger the activation of all the digital OLED segments. Additional functions include dynamic turn signals as well as various coming home and leaving home sequences.

Decor, Colors, Wheels: The right equipment range for every taste

 

With the latest product upgrade, Audi has once again refined the equipment range for the Q8. The seams on the seat trim in the base model now come as standard in a contrasting gray color. There are also nine decorative inlays available to choose from. Adding to the available options in the equipment lineup are: wood fine-grain ash natural silver for the standard model, Carbon twill matt, and Aluminium linear silver grey for the Q8 featuring the S line sport package, as well as for the SQ8 TFSI1. To further underscore the character of the Q8, three new finishes are available. Audi Sport GmbH offers Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red, all as metallic finishes. But customers can look forward to additional new features in more than just finishes. For the wheel range offers customers a choice of five new wheel designs, with sizes ranging from 21 to 23 inches for a clear advantage over the competition.

As part of the model update, Audi is also expanding the range of apps. For the first time, passengers can use popular apps from third-party providers (for example Spotify or Amazon music). Regular software updates and a constantly expanding range of apps make for even greater individualization of the infotainment system. A store with a market-specific app portfolio expands the third-generation modular infotainment toolkit (MIB 3). In terms of driver assistance systems, the surroundings display in particular has received a significant upgrade. The Audi virtual cockpit displays a lane change warning, other road users (trucks, cars, and motorcycles) distance warning, intersection assist, and traffic light information online in stunning full HD quality. In addition to the store for apps and the new surroundings display, the product upgrade also expands the standard equipment for the Q8; 20-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, park and high beam assist, and the convenience key, among other features, now come as standard.

Steady in every situation: the suspension with Audi’s DNA

Only an Audi drives like an Audi: This is how the brand with the four rings sums up the DNA of an Audi’s driving characteristics, and it’s no less true for the Q8. Five characteristics define the Q8’s handling: balanced, solid, controlled, precise, and effortless. The suspension, steering, and drive as well as the braking and control systems all play a key role in creating a reliably safe, dynamic, and simultaneously comfortable driving experience. Even the standard equipment, with balanced steel spring suspension and damper control, ensures the Q8’s consistent driving experience.

Electronically controlled air suspension with a continuously adaptive damping system – adaptive air suspension or adaptive air suspension sport (standard equipment on the SQ8 TFSI1 ) – can be selected as optional equipment. In addition, optional all-wheel steering (standard equipment on the SQ8 TFSI1 ) ensures an increased level of safety and comfort. At low speeds, the back wheels turn up to five degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This reduces the turning radius, by up to one meter (3.3 ft), and increases manageability. At the same time, the driver feels more comfort and benefits from improved stability at higher speeds because the back wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels. To improve the Q8’s handling in everyday situations such as maneuvering in parking lots, parking garages, or a home garage, the steering system has been optimized for greater ease.

The right choice for every situation: the powertrains

The range opens with the 45 TDI quattro2, a three-liter diesel engine that has 170 kW (231 PS) of output and delivers an impressive 500 Nm of torque, which extends over a plateau between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. From a standing start, the Audi Q8 45 TDI2 accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.1 seconds. It has a top speed of 226 km/h (140 mph). This engine is followed by the 50 TDI quattro3, a more powerful version with 210 kW (286 PS) and 600 Nm of torque. The large SUV accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 241 km/h (150 mph).

The Audi Q8 55 TFSI4 features a six-cylinder Otto engine with three liters of displacement and direct fuel injection that delivers 250 kW (340 PS). It delivers a maximum torque of 500 Nm in a broad engine speed range from 1,370 to 4,500 rpm. With its turbocharged gasoline engine, the Audi Q8 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.6 seconds. It reaches its electronically governed top speed at 250 km/h (155 mph).

All V6-engines in the Audi Q8 work together with an eight-speed tiptronic, quattro permanent four-wheel drive, and the mild hybrid system, which can achieve a fuel-consumption advantage of up to 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers in customer operation. Its key components are a lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator starter (BAS) that supplies power to the SUV coupé’s 48V main electrical system. When decelerating, the BAS recuperates up to eight kW, which it feeds into the battery. Between 55 and 160 km/h (34 and 99 mph), the Q8 can coast with the engine off for up to 40 seconds when the driver takes their foot off the gas. After braking, the BAS restarts the six-cylinder quickly and very conveniently. The start–stop begins as low as 22 km/h (14 mph).

Superior performance: the Audi SQ8 with a V8 TFSI gas engine

The new SQ8 TFSI1 advances sportiness even further – it impresses with a redesigned spoiler at the front and an expressive diffuser at the rear. The Singleframe stands out with vertical L-shaped inlays in a sporty color scheme. The larger air intakes feature honeycomb grilles across their surface. Characteristically, Audi opts for a sporty aluminum look for the exterior mirror housings, the inlays in the Singleframe and the edging of the side air intakes. The same color scheme is also used for the inlay in the side skirt. The Black and Black plus optics packages can also be ordered for the SQ8 TFSI1.

As part of the product upgrade, the SQ8 TFSI1 now runs on the established 4.0 TFSI with 373 kW (507 PS) and 770 Nm of torque with fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. With this engine, the SQ8 TFSI1 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.1 seconds, with an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). With its firing order of 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8, the 4.0 TFSI provides a distinctive sporty and sonorous sound. At low to medium loads and acceleration speeds – from 160 to 250 Nm and between 950 and 2,500 rpm with a maximum torque requirement of 145 Nm – the cylinder on demand system deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5, and 8 in the upper gears by shutting off injection and ignition and closing the intake and exhaust valves. The switching process takes just milliseconds and goes virtually unnoticed by the driver. In four-cylinder mode, the operating points in the active cylinders shift to higher load, which boosts thermal efficiency, while the deactivated cylinders follow, essentially with no losses, like gas springs. When the driver presses the accelerator pedal, the deactivated cylinders reactivate immediately. To achieve the sporty sound, there is an exhaust flap on each tailpipe that modulates the sound depending on load and rev speed.
 

For an ideal driving experience, a vehicle requires not only first-class engines, but also outstanding suspension components. In the optional advanced suspension package, customers also benefit from the sport differential. When cornering at high speed, it uses two multi-disc clutches to shift the torques between the rear wheels, giving the wheel on the outside of the curve, which has the better grip, the greater share. Known as torque vectoring, this makes handling even more effortless and precise. When turning or accelerating in a curve, the large sport SUV coupé literally presses into the curve, minimizing the tendency to understeer. The second component in the package is electromechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS). Here, both axles are equipped with a compact electric motor coupled to a transmission. It splits the stabilizer into two halves. When driving straight, it allows them to work largely independently of each other, which reduces body movements on uneven roads. In sporty driving, however, the electric motor causes the two halves to rotate in opposite directions, thus working together as a unit. This means that the car leans into the curve significantly less, and the steering response becomes more precise. The eAWS is powered by a 48-volt super capacitor. The compact, lightweight energy storage unit, which can absorb and release high currents in a very short time, supplies the two electric motors with a maximum power of 1.5 kW each.

The Audi SQ8 TFSI1 rolls off the production line with 21-inch wheels and 285/45 tires as standard. Alternatively, Audi and Audi Sport offer other 21- and 22-inch wheels. The largest offer available is 23-inch wheels with 285/35 tires. For greater variety, Audi offers other new 23-inch alloy wheels for the SQ8 TFSI1 that are specifically designed for the car’s sporty appearance. The brake discs on the front axle have a diameter of 400 millimeters; on the rear axle they measure 350 millimeters. The black brake calipers, which come optionally in red, bear the S logo that defines Audi’s look on the front axle.

Available to order from September, prices from 86.700 euros

The market launch of the Audi Q8 – with its revised design, innovative lighting technology, and more extensive range of equipment – will be in September 2023. Prices for the 45 TDI quattro2 start at 86,700 euros, while the 50 TDI quattro3 costs 89,700 euros. The 55 TFSI quattro4 will cost 89,900 euros, while the SQ8 TFSI1 starts at 119,500 euros.

 

1. Audi SQ8 TFSI: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 12.8–12.0; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 291–272
2. Audi Q8 45 TDI quattro: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.9–8.0; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 232–210
3. Audi Q8 50 TDI quattro: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.9–8.0; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 232–210
4. Audi Q8 55 TFSI quattro: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 11.4–10.2; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 260–231
 
Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

A world-class lineup, both on and off the pitch: Audi employees presented players from FC Bayern Munich with company cars for the new season at the Audi Piazza in Ingolstadt. The entire vehicle fleet again consists of fully electric premium vehicles. In September, the stars’ refurbished cars from the previous season will be available for sale.

 

For the 2023/24 season, which started a few days ago, FC Bayern players will now drive the fully electric premium models Audi RS e-tron GT1, Audi Q8 e-tron, Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron, and Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron. This year’s most popular model among the pro soccer players is once again the Audi RS e-tron GT1. Twelve players, including Thomas Müller, Leroy Sané, and Joshua Kimmich, have opted for the four-door coupé. With a total output of 440 kW (598 PS), the Audi RS e-tron GT1 accelerates from zero to one hundred km/h (62 mph) in just 3.3 seconds. The high-voltage battery provides a range of up to 488 kilometers (303 mi) and recharges quickly thanks to its 800-volt technology.

The vehicle fleet has an optimal e-mobility infrastructure at the club’s grounds on Säbener Straße, where Audi and FC Bayern have installed 38 charging points. More than 20 charging points are also available at the Allianz Arena. “In their long-standing partnership, FC Bayern Munich and Audi represent progress, passion, and high performance. This season, we are demonstrating this again with a fully electric fleet of vehicles for players and officials. Together, we are building on previous successes and continuing to shape a sustainable and progressive future,” says Hildegard Wortmann, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG.

Original players’ cars for sale

The original players’ cars from last season will soon be available for purchase as used cars. As well as the vehicles, which Audi is refurbishing, buyers will receive a certificate of authenticity and a signed shirt from the previous owner. The cars for sale include several Audi RS e-tron GT1 models, such as those belonging to Serge Gnabry.

At the IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich (September 5 to 10), interested buyers can submit a reservation request via tablets at the Audi Experience area in the FC Bayern World. The cars will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Employees and children meet soccer stars in the flesh

Some employees were treated to a memorable experience at the vehicle handover on August 23: Around 30 employees who presented the car keys to the players had the opportunity to meet the stars from Germany’s record champion club. Moreover, the employees’ children between the ages of six and ten lined the players’ path to where the handover took place. Employees could apply on the intranet in advance for these unique experiences. At the Audi Piazza in Ingolstadt, the soccer stars made time for autographs and selfies with their fans.

The team then took a look behind the scenes at Audi’s headquarters in Ingolstadt and visited, among other plant features, the assembly line, body shop, Lighting Assistance Center, and wind tunnel center. The site is currently preparing for production of the Audi Q6 e-tron.

Andreas Jung, Executive Board Member responsible for marketing at FC Bayern: “After more than 20 years of partnership, FC Bayern and Audi work together extremely well as a team. This season, we are continuing our sustainable mobility journey. In doing so, we are both striving for further success – both on the pitch and in our commitment to an even more ecological future.”

Audi has backed FC Bayern Munich since 2002; their partnership was recently extended until 2029. The cooperation with the FC Bayern Women’s team, which Audi has supported since 2021 and was recently extended, will run until at least 2025. The brand with the four rings has also been a shareholder in FC Bayern München AG since 2011.

 

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

This year’s Night of the Museums, a highlight in Ingolstadt's cultural calendar, will take place on Saturday, September 9. From 6 PM to midnight, the Audi museum mobile will open its doors with a colorful program to entertain both young and old. The event includes catering by the team from the restaurants at the Audi Forum Ingolstadt.

 

The brand with the four rings is celebrating the 25th birthday of the Audi TT in 2023. For this reason, the spotlight will also be on the design icon at the Night of the Museums “State of the ArTT” summer exhibition. Design is also the focus of an open creative workshop, “From the sketch to the finished car”. How were cars designed in the past? The workshop will offer children between the ages of 6 and 13 the opportunity to delve into this question while getting hands-on themselves. Under expert guidance, workshop participants will design their own Audi and learn more about the history of modeling. The “Men in Blech” (“Blech” is German for sheet metal) will provide the entertainment. This group of nine artists offers a captivating dance show with music from various genres and decades. At 8 PM and 10 PM, visitors will be treated to a guided tour of the summer exhibition celebrating the 25th birthday of the Audi TT, while at 7 PM and 9 PM, a tour of highlights from motorsport history awaits them on the paternoster lift.

The detailed program for the Night of the Museums at the Audi museum mobile is available at ndm.ingolstadt.de.
 
Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

At the former quattro GmbH, these four letters represented the particularly sporty derivatives of what were already highly performaning RS 6 and RS 7 models. They adhered to the philosophy of leveraging as much car technology as possible, i.e., teasing out an additional plus in driving dynamics – while retaining the everyday usability the vehicles were renowned for. In 2016, “plus” became “performance”, but the philosophy remained the same. It all began almost 30 years ago with the Audi S6 plus: A look, both back in time and into the future, at the highest performance cars in Audi’s portfolio.

 

The history of the RS 6 performance models began with the C4 generation Audi S6 plus in 1996. That is when quattro GmbH (now Audi Sport GmbH), initially a supplier of high-quality accessories from 1983 and then tasked with a vehicle customization program starting in 1995, was given a new focus. It took over responsibility for the sporty derivative, internally called the Q1. Following the success of the Audi Avant RS2, the aim was to create a new model with more power and greater driving dynamics. The Audi S6 V8 provided the ideal foundation for this goal.

The ancestor of all high-performance models: the Audi S6 plus

For the S6 plus, Audi’s engine development unit in Neckarsulm developed a more powerful version of the 4.2-liter V8 that powered the regular Audi S6. The engine’s output was increased from 290 to 326 PS, outstripping even the Audi Avant RS2. The car was given larger front brakes, a six-speed transmission with shorter ratios on third gear and up, and stiffer suspension. Both axles boasted 17-inch rims with 255 tires. The interior design was predominately black. The at-the-time quattro GmbH added accents to the gear knob and the speedometer dials in blue, gray, or white, including a scale that went up to 300 km/h (186 mph). With its own booth at the Geneva International Motor Show, quattro GmbH introduced its first vehicle to the public in 1996. During the 15 months that the S6 plus was available, the 855 Avant and 97 Sedans were built.

The RS family tree: From the RS4 Avant and RS 6 Avant to RS 6 Avant plus

Audi established the idea of the sports wagon with the RS2 and S6 plus. The first true RS model from quattro GmbH was the RS4 Avant (B5) from 1999. Compared to the Audi S4, it hit the scene with a widened body and an engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth, which at the time had an impressive output of 381 PS. From the beginning of 2000, the Audi RS4 Avant – advertised and sold as the Audi RS4 and as a special Audi RS4 Sport model – became the new flagship of the Audi A4 B5 series. And as an absolute sales hit, instead of the planned 3,000 units, just over 6,000 Audi RS4 Avant models were purchased by highly enthusiastic and satisfied buyers. There were already plenty of ideas for further high-performance models from quattro GmbH – the phasing out of the RS4 also freed up capacities in Neckarsulm for the development and production of a new model. The year 2002 saw no direct successor come out – the next RS 4 (B7) would not become available until 2005 – instead, the RS 6 represented a kind of “big brother” based on the C5-generation A6.

Along the Sedan and Avant versions of the first RS 6, a new nomenclature also debuted. From now on, all RS models would carry a space in their name. The special limited series RS 6 Avant plus also saw the return of the “plus” performance insignia familiar from the S6 plus. An optimized engine control unit extended the torque curve, resulting in increased power output. Engine power climbed by 30 PS to 480 PS. To ensure optimum cooling of the engine, the cooling system was also updated.

What made it special is that it was the first Audi to officially go faster than 250 km/h (155 mph). quattro GmbH throttled the RS 6 plus to 280 km/h (175 mph), making it the fastest sports wagon at the time. Perforated brake discs, a sports exhaust system, and DRC suspension now came as standard equipment. Nineteen-inch wheels and special paint / interior trim combinations characterized this edition. Audi limited production to 999 Avant units. Stephan Reil, Head of Technical Development at Audi AG in Neckarsulm, recalls: “With 480 PS, the RS 6 Avant plus was at the top of the segment. But on the other hand, that car was to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing that would win people over through understatement.”

More power and torque: “plus” becomes “performance”

The plus variant in the C6 generation hit the market in 2010 and was limited to 500 units. Unlike its predecessor, it did not feature any additional power, with the V10 keep its 580 PS; but it now features a top speed of 303 km (188 mph). The only faster Audi vehicle at the time was the R8. Customers were able to configure the car with two equipment packages:

The RS 6 plus Sport featured leather upholstery on the center console and dashboard, while the RS 6 plus Audi exclusive boasted a paint finish in an individual color according to the customer’s preference. In the Audi exclusive version, the seat covers, controls, door panels, and center armrest were upholstered in one of the attractive colors from the Audi exclusive program. All seat components matched the selected leather color. Both variants were equipped with 20-inch wheels, sport suspension plus, navigation system, and driving assistant, as well as the carbon package for the engine compartment.

For the C7 generation, “plus” became “performance” – the Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback performance premiered in 2016. With a slightly tweaked engine, the power climbed to 605 PS, 45 PS more than in the base model. The overboost function briefly increased torque to 750 Nm in “dynamic” driving mode. Depending on the equipment, top speed was limited to 250, 280, or 305 km/h (155, 174, or 190 mph). The car did zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) 0.2 seconds faster (3.7 s), and 200 km/h (124 mph) as much as 1.4 seconds faster (12.1 s). Twenty-one-inch wheels now came standard.

White dials: a tribute to the RS 6 Avant plus in the C8 generation

The new RS 6 Avant performance1 and RS 7 Sportback performance3 in the C8 generation continue the long-standing Audi Sport strategy of plus and performance models. To date, the models still boast an all-wheel drive system and a V8 engine with increased output. The potent 4.0-liter V8 biturbo TFSI engine now has an output of 463 kW (630 PS) and a maximum torque of 850 Nm (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (62.1 mi): 12.7 – 12,1 (18.5 – 19.4 US mpg) (WLTP); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 289 - 272 (465.1 – 437.7 g/mi) (WLTP)). First used on the Audi RS2 and still a distinguishing feature of the models with the red rhombus, colors including Nogaro Blue can still be ordered as custom finishes. The interior also echoes the original. For the performance models, customers can select a white background for the tachometer and speedometer – a tribute to the Audi Avant RS2 from 1994 and the Audi S6 plus from 1996 which came with white analog dials.

Audi’s DNA will not be changed: a look into the electrified future

“At Audi Sport GmbH, we have been very successful at what we do for 40 years,” states Steffen Bamberger, Head of Technical Development at Audi Sport GmbH: “We are now transporting our DNA, that is, what sets us apart, into an exciting future.” According to Bamberger, a few key elements differentiate the current RS 6 performance1 and RS 7 performance3 models and their regular versions models from the respective base model: their characteristic exterior and interior design, their longitudinal and lateral dynamics, and their sound. These elements will continue to be differentiating characteristics in the electric age. This also includes an exterior design that stands out from the base model with sporty add-on parts and larger wheels. The interior will increasingly feature sustainable materials with a special look. What’s more, the interior and exterior sound will also be further refined to clearly set them apart from the base model and create emotionality.

 

Bamberger elaborates: “We will try to get as much as possible out of our electric cars to transport the DNA of the RS models into the electric future.” The electrified vehicles dynamic range covers everything from very comfortable and suitable for everyday use to incredibly sporty and agile, Bamberger adds. “One thing is certain,” concludes Bamberger: “RS models will still offer drivers great fun behind the wheel when electrified.”

 
Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com