These are the features that power the latest generations of the Audi RS 3 Sportback and RS 3 Sedan to the top of the compact segment. The torque splitter, used for the first time in an Audi, also plays a part in this, providing greater lateral dynamics and stability. The more expressive design combined with RS-specific controls turns the latest RS 3 models into premium sports cars suitable for everyday use.
The electric powered show car has four wheels, but does not fit into any current automobile category. Weighing just 480 kilograms (1,058.22 lb), the Audi urban concept combines elements of a racecar, a roadster, a fun car and a city car into a radical new concept. It has the potential to become the trendsetter for a new form of mobility.
Audi urban concept - Basic information
Concept “How much car is necessary to deliver driving pleasure and urban mobility in an entirely new way?” This question was the starting point for the Audi urban concept. A model of a sailplane was in the studio during the development process as an example of lightweight construction, efficiency and reduction – of the principle of “less is more.” The result is a vehicle that cannot be pigeonholed, a vehicle that redefines the term “driving pleasure” and is completely unencumbered by the baggage of conventional concepts. The Audi urban concept concentrates on the pure essence of driving and conveys freedom at the premium level. At the same time, it offers the comfort and safety of a closed automobile, making it far superior to any motor scooter. With its sleek body and free-standing wheels, the technology study is progressive and highly dramatic while at the same time extremely sporty, yet surprisingly comfortable. The cabin of the Audi urban concept offers slightly offset seating for two. The roof slides back for entry. This innovative solution makes the Audi urban concept even more fun to drive because the canopy can remain open in good weather. It also allows the cabin to be aired out very quickly. The fit and finish of the show car is characterized by the obligatory Audi perfection. The car’s technology is reflective of the brand’s wide-ranging competence, particularly in ultra-lightweight construction. The brand with the four rings has created an entirely new class of vehicle with the Audi urban concept, and that on the premium level.
The output of its 5.2-liter V10 has been increased to 412 kW (560 hp); the weight of the vehicle has been reduced by 85 kilograms (187.39 lb). The R8 GT Spyder accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h (196.97 mph).
The Audi R8 is a born winner. In its very first season, the R8 LMS won 23 runs and three champion titles, followed by four more titles and 41 race victories in 2010. The production models landed the “World Performance Car” award on two occasions – the R8 in 2008 and the R8 5.2 FSIquattro in 2010. Most recently, the high-performance sports car clinched category wins in Auto Zeitung magazine’s “Auto Trophy” awards and in the auto motor und sport “Best Cars of 2011” reader survey. Approximately one year ago, Audi unveiled the R8 GT as the model line’s new flagship model. It wasn’t long before all 333 units in the limited series were sold out. Now the open-top body version is being launched, with production again capped at 333 units. Each one sports a tag with its individual number on the gear lever knob.
The Audi R8 GT Spyder - Basic information
This saves 17 percent fuel per year. Given the volume of traffic in Ingolstadt, this amounts to roughly 700,000 liters (184,920.44 US gallons) – an amount with which 1,000 Audi A4 2.0 TDI cars could drive for a year, assuming annual mileage of 14,000 kilometers (8,699.20 miles) per vehicle. This first stage of the travolution project, which was subsidized by the Bavarian State Ministry of the Economy, Infrastructure, Transportation and Technology, was concluded in 2008. Last year, the initiative “Germany – Land of Ideas” awarded its “Selected Landmark 2009” prize to the City of Ingolstadt for this project. At the same time, Audi engineers began equipping the first Ingolstadt traffic light systems with a completely new, active communication technology in 2006. They have continuously expanded and improved this aspect of travolution to thisday. Current status: over 150 traffic lights As of June 2010, 25 traffic light systems have been included in the trial, with preparations underway for an additional 27. The systems already active are primarily located on the Ringstrasse, which encircles the city, and Ettinger Strasse, which runs northward past Audi's Ingolstadt plant. Because each system comprises multiple lights, the project covers a total of more than 150 traffic lights. Audi is developing two technologies for the communication between the traffic lights and the cars. Ten traffic lights use WLAN to broadcast its signals to the immediate surroundings; the other 15 send their signals to a server located in the Altes Rathaus (Old Townhall) downtown. The existing underground cables are used to transmit the data to the server; the vehicles retrieve the information via UMTS. The 15 test vehicles from Audi – 13 Audi A4 allroad quattro and two Audi Q5 models – receive these data via a module equipped with a WLAN antenna and via a UMTS data interface.
Dynamic performance where the sky’s the limit – Audi introduces the RS 5 Cabriolet. The four-seat convertible with a cloth soft top entices with a unique combination of elegance and power. Its 4.2 FSI, a high-revving naturally aspirated V8 engine, outputs 331 kW (450 hp). It accelerates the high-performance sports car from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.9 seconds. Exterior design In the RS 5 Cabriolet, Audi dynamics takes on an especially beautiful form in the car’s flowing side profile with perfectly balanced proportions and sharp details. A frame in matt aluminum look surrounds the hexagonal single-frame grille; its honeycomb grille insert that sports an RS 5 logo shines in anthracite. Wedge-shaped headlights with wave-like lower edges illuminate with xenon plus lamps and LED strips that form the daytime running lights. Large air intakes are embedded in the distinctively shaped front apron whose ends run out into splitter edges. Sill add-ons and wheel housing extensions dominate the car’s appearance in side profile; the tornado line that defines the shoulder of the RS 5 Cabriolet was drawn to look especially sharp. The door mirror housings have an aluminum look, while the surface of the windshield frame and the decorative trim strips of the window channels and the soft top box cover are made of matt anodized aluminum. The lightweight textile roof of the RS 5 Cabriolet spans over the generously proportioned interior space like a low curved dome; a special foam layer in the roof delivers high acoustic comfort. At the press of a button, the soft top opens and closes fully automatically in 15 seconds and 17 seconds respectively – even when driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph). When open, it hardly affects the size of the spacious luggage compartment – it only requires 60 liters (2.12 cu ft) of its 380 liters (13.42 cu ft) total volume.
Last year, the Audi RS 5 DTM was the car to be beaten, so Audi Sport is entering the 2016 season with all the more ambitious aims: the brand sporting the red rhomb has firmly set its sights on the titles in the drivers,’ teams’ and manufacturers’ classifications.
Audi in the 2016 DTM