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It leads through tunnels carved into the rock and features bends of all kinds, alternating between tight turns and long sweepers. The hinterland of Nice, France, offers the perfect setting to get to know the character of the new Audi A5 models. The roads of the Côte d'Azur are particularly challenging for the chassis and drivetrain of the new mid-size models based on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) due to their profile. Powerful and partially electrified gasoline and diesel engines with MHEV plus The new A5 model series marks the launch of the first engines with the new MHEV plus technology from Audi – a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with powertrain generator, belt starter alternator and lithium iron phosphate battery. The MHEV plus system raises the performance and efficiency of the new Audi A5 TDI and Audi S5 models to a new level. While the systems ensure dynamics on the mountain passes at Saint-Paule-de-Vence thanks to the additional electric power of up to 18 kW (24 hp), they also excel in the city traffic of Nice with purely electric driving during stop-and-go. When decelerating, the powertrain generator feeds energy back into the compact lithium iron phosphate battery with up to 25 kW of regenerative braking. A perfect symbiosis: thanks to the high charging capacity, there is usually enough power in the battery for the next rapid acceleration. The MHEV plus system also offers numerous advantages in urban traffic. On the one hand, the electric support for the combustion engine significantly reduces fuel consumption, especially when driving slowly.

The steering wheel paddles are based on all-electric models and control the degree of coasting recuperation while the corresponding drive level is set in the background. Special displays provide the driver with comprehensive, at-a-glance information. The Audi virtual cockpit, which is included as standard, shows the power currently being called up, the drive mode, the battery charge status, and the range. The MMI display also visualizes the energy flows. DC fast charging up to 50 kW* The A3 allstreet TFSI e enables efficient and comfortable long-distance electric travel. Audi offers DC charging at fast-charging stations: the A3 crossover uses DC charging up to 50 kW*, meaning a battery discharged to 10 percent can be recharged to 80 percent* in under 30 minutes. Three-phase charging is also possible, with up to 11 kW at AC charging points, such as a wallbox or a municipal charging station. The charging process takes 2.5 hours. The necessary Mode 3 cable is included as standard. Audi also provides a charging service, Audi charging, offering on-request access to around 630,000 charging points in 29 European countries. This includes Audi's own charging hubs in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Zurich, and Salzburg, with further locations to follow. Drivers can use one convenient card at these hubs and numerous other providers.

His enthusiasm for the car is written all over his face. "The RS Q8 performance combines everyday practicality and sporty attributes like no other vehicle," enthuses the developer. The new performance version of the RS Q8 is the highest configuration level of its model series. With 471 kW (640 PS), 850 Nm of torque and outstanding chassis components, the SUV is made for the demanding roads around Sitges, and for the equally demanding racetrack, the ParcMotor Circuit in Castellolí. Before the RS Q8 performance can show off its talents between the colored markings of the motorsport park, Roland Waschkau gets behind the wheel. We leave the hotel parking lot together. The long-standing chassis developer, who, among other things, was responsible for the R8 explains: "Thanks to the adaptive air suspension sport that is supplied as standard, the RS Q8 performance is, in my opinion, an almost perfect companion, whether on long highway stretches or on the Nordschleife." The car leaves the factory in Bratislava, Slovakia, with air suspension including controlled damping and RS-specific tuning as standard. Back in Spain: after just under an hour, we reach the country roads in the mountains of Montserrat. Between the impressive rock formations and the bright blue Mediterranean Sea lie challenging passages, short straights and numerous bends. The man at the wheel, who has worked for Audi Sport for 25 years, is in his element.

Brilliant: fully electric Sportback with an evocative, dynamic exterior and a spacious interior Efficient: aerodynamic body design enables a range of up to 656 kilometers Attractive: entry-level variant with an 83-kWh battery as an additional option for the electric model family in the premium mid-range segment Audi is expanding its electric model portfolio with the Q6 Sportback e-tron, one of the most popular body designs among customers. The powerful and iconic SUV design typical of Audi in the Q6 SUV e-tron is complemented by the essence of a Sportback’s features. The near-perfect proportions are even more evident. The result is a more progressive and sportier silhouette that will appeal especially to design-oriented customers. The Q6 Sportback e-tron, which features the familiar strengths of the PPE in terms of performance, range, efficiency, and charging, is yet another example of the scalability of the Premium Platform Electric. Thanks to its dynamic rear and the resulting aerodynamic benefits, the Q6 Sportback e-tron performance is the range champion in the Q6 series, with a range of up to 656 kilometers. Audi will unveil the Q6 Sportback e-tron to the global public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show 2024. “The new model demonstrates the versatility of our new generation of electric vehicles,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG. “The Sportback variant is the next step in the expansion of our electric model portfolio. The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron combines the strengths of our new electric models – efficiency, range, and performance – with the evocative, functional design of its distinct body.” The dynamic-looking Sportback combines the spaciousness of an SUV with the elegance of a coupé.

The plug-in hybrid combines dynamic handling with increased comfort. After Audi presented extensive upgrades for the A3 and S3, including the new A3 allstreet model, in the spring, the A3 Sportback TFSI e now follows with the plug-in hybrid more powerful and more efficient than before. New turbo petrol engine and optimized electric motor as powerful duo The new turbocharged petrol engine and the electric motor with increased power density are at the heart of the drive system. The 1.5 TFSI evo2 replaces the previous 1.4 TFSI and boasts a wide range of high-tech features. In addition to optimizing combustion chamber cooling, the symbiosis of the turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and the Miller cycle, as well as the early closing of the intake valves, ensures a higher compression ratio. The ratio is now 11.5:1, compared to 10:1 in the 1.4 TFSI. Thanks to this combustion process, the new unit operates with a high degree of efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Injection takes place at a pressure of up to 350 bar. By comparison, the 1.4 TFSI reached a maximum of 200 bar. Plasma-coated cylinder liners reduce internal friction in the new engine. Pistons with cast-in cooling channels optimize combustion. The electric drive is provided by a permanently excited synchronous motor, which now delivers 85 kW and 330 Nm of torque. As with its predecessor, it is integrated into the housing of the six-speed S tronic, which is now equipped with a more robust gearbox bearing to cope with the higher system output. It transfers the torque from the two engines to the front axle. The dual-clutch transmission has an electric oil pump that ensures the change of gears and oil supply even when the TFSI is temporarily deactivated. Battery capacity and energy content of the HV modules doubled The gross capacity of the high-voltage battery is now 25.7 kWh and has, therefore, almost doubled with nearly identical dimensions to the predecessor model.

Higher performance: Advanced drive systems and adapted thermal management enable up to 680 kW (925 PS) of output More exclusive: Specially developed RS performance mode and push-to-pass function offer optimal setup for challenging coastal roads and winding mountain passes Dynamic duo: High-performance tires with more grip at high lateral acceleration or innovative tires with improved sustainability and optimized rolling resistance With the Audi RS e-tron GT performance, Audi is debuting its first fully electric RS performance model. The four-door coupé demonstrates bundled technical expertise – and Audi’s passion for details. Powerful, sporty, and confident, it reflects the brand’s high standards for developing and building cars. The RS e-tron GT performance is the dynamic flagship for electric mobility at Audi. In addition to a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PSM) on the front axle with a reinforced driveshaft and an output of 252 kW (342 PS), the electric Gran Turismo features a newly developed PSM on the rear axle with an output of 415 kW (564 PS).The increased copper density of the special hairpin winding in the electric motors’ stator maximizes current conduction. Moreover, the rotor in the electric motor at the rear is more compact and lighter. Overall, Audi has reduced the weight of the electric motor on the rear axle by ten kilos. What’s more, both electric motors have power reserves for dynamic driving situations.

Soneira, formerly the long-standing Head of Product Line for Electric Models at Audi, steers the partnership with 25 years of extensive experience within the Volkswagen Group. “Our cooperation reflects the spirit of ‘the best of both worlds’ and has been set up to jointly organize development, purchasing, production, and sales,” said Fermín Soneira. “With both parties contributing their core strengths, I firmly believe Audi will continue to shape the future of premium electric mobility by integrating the innovation strength of the market.” The new joint program offers the best of two worlds in automotive development. It combines the strengths of Audi with SAIC’s innovation speed. Audi brings know-how in premium products and design, overall vehicle development, and engineering to the table. SAIC offers fast innovations, a well-established technology ecosystem, and deep insight into the local market’s demands. The result of this combination: the Advanced Digitized Platform. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner stresses: “The joint platform will be the basis for a new generation of state-of-the-art intelligent connected vehicles exclusive to China. The upcoming models are aimed at a promising and simultaneously demanding new customer segment. The cooperation will further expand the Audi portfolio of battery electric vehicles (BEV) in China and accelerate the company’s transformation in the world’s largest market.” The first three BEV models will be in the mid-size and full-size segments (B and C). The collaboration model reduces time-to-market by more than 30%, with the first model to commence sales in 2025. Benchmark of a new generation: AUDI E concept With a length of 4,870 mm, 1,990 mm in width and 1,460 mm in height, plus a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, the AUDI E concept is positioned as a fully electric Sportback. Thanks to the new Advanced Digitized Platform, the AUDI E concept comes with perfect proportions and a highly differentiated exterior design language.

Sporty, dynamic design: expressive front and eye-catching diffuser, carbon details, RS bucket seats, and flat-top and flat-bottom steering wheel Enhanced vehicle dynamics: new standard tires and more precise tuning of chassis control systems for optimized cornering Fastest in its class: lap record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 7:33.123 minutes Audi Sport has heightened the senses of the RS 3. With the upgrade, the compact top model, which represents maximum performance, will become even sportier. This is visible at first glance: The strong lines at the front, the wheels in motorsport design, and the RS bucket seats visually enhance the dynamics, acoustically underscored by the deep-throated roar of the five-cylinder engine with its signature firing sequence. The 2.5 TFSI, combined with the optimized chassis setup and new tires, propels the RS 3 around corners even more spirited. The new lap record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife confirms this.