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With 471 kW (640 PS) and 850 Nm of torque, the RS Q8 performance is the ideal companion on the winding country roads of Spain and the ParcMotor Castellolí The suspension components secure the RS Q8 performance the title of record holder on the Nordschleife and also ensure first-class driving pleasure off the racetrack Chassis developer Roland Waschkau: "The RS Q8 performance perfectly combines suitability for everyday use and sporty attributes" The sun is already hovering over the Mediterranean, the temperature is in double digits, and the conditions are almost ideal. We meet Roland Waschkau, responsible for the chassis development of the RS Q8 performance, in front of the hotel in Sitges. He points to the most powerful production vehicle with a combustion engine in Audi's history. 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.

The new Audi A5 rolls off the production line with dynamically tuned steel suspension as standard. Alternatively, S sports suspension (standard on the Audi S5 ) and S sports suspension with electronic damper control are also available. Both optional variants lower the body by 20 millimeters. The optional adaptive S sports suspension with damper control offers a significantly wider spread between the individual driving modes that can be selected via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. The dynamic mode is noticeably firmer and more dynamically tuned, while the comfort mode offers more reserves for a relaxed drive. New operating concept with two interior displays On entering the car, the new displays immediately catch the eye: the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5-inch Audi MMI panoramic display in a curved design. Optionally, the 10.9-inch MMI passenger display complements the Digital Stage. Outstanding ergonomics and simple, driver-centered operation were key elements in the development of this concept. The curved panoramic display is designed so that it can be reached and operated effortlessly. The new Audi A5 models feature the Audi assistant, a voice assistant that understands natural language and also learns independently. The driver activates the assistant via the voice command "Hey Audi" or via a button on the steering wheel. This can be used to execute various vehicle functions, start navigation, or request general knowledge. If the Audi assistant cannot answer the question, the AI-chatbot ChatGPT, provided via Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, is used, which accesses millions of data records and provides answers.

He puts the requirements for a high-performance sports car suitable for everyday driving in this way: “In the Le Mans quattro, you can drive record laps on the track just as easily as you can parallel park in front of the hairdresser’s. That made it quite a challenge for us.” The technical basis of the Le Mans quattro was the Lamborghini Gallardo. The Le Mans quattro marked several technological milestones, such as LED headlights, the carbon fiber Audi Space Frame, the digital cockpit display, and Audi magnetic ride adaptive suspension. An absolute highlight was the double-turbocharged 5.0-liter V10 with gasoline direct injection. It had an output of 610 PS and a maximum torque of 750 Nm, making it a real automotive heavyweight. World premiere of the first Audi R8 in 2006 The first generation of the Audi R8 celebrated its world premiere at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, where its resemblance to the Le Mans quattro was almost perfect. However, there were some technical differences to the concept car. The first-generation production car used a 4.2-liter V8 FSI mid-engine mounted behind the passenger compartment. The engine had an output of 420 PS (later: 430 PS), and except for using dry sump lubrication, which is more suitable for the racetrack, it was almost identical to the engine from the then-current Audi RS 4 (B7). Later, a V10 variant with a maximum output of 570 PS was added, which used the 5.2-liter aspirated engine from the Group’s sister model, the Lamborghini Gallardo. For the suspension, Audi used the then-new Audi magnetic ride, which allows the driver to tighten the shock absorbers at the push of a button. The shock absorbers use a synthetic hydrocarbon oil containing microscopic magnetic particles in the pistons. When the magnetic coils are activated – which was the case in sport mode – the particles in the piston chambers align themselves perpendicular to the oil’s direction of flow, obstructing the flow.

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. Launch Control can briefly use resources from the HV battery and the electric motors for an output of up to 680 kW / 925 PS (combined power consumption: 20.8–18.7 kWh / 100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A). Moreover, the front axle features modified power electronics with a revised pulse inverter, enabling higher discharge currents of up to 600 amps – 300 amps more than in the other variants, the Audi S e-tron GT and the Audi RS e-tron GT. The rear axle also operates at 600 amps. Audi has increased braking recuperation to 400 kW. The maximum deceleration value is 4.5 m/s2. Up to this value, the car relies solely on recuperation. Coasting recuperation was increased to 0.6 m/s2 and 1.3 m/s2 (previously 0.3 and 0.6). In this way, Audi has widened the spread between the dynamic one-pedal feel and efficient coasting. “This allows us to increase efficiency while responding to what our customers want.

The upright front dominates the fully closed, three-dimensional Singleframe. A mask in Selenite Silver or high-gloss black encloses the side air intakes. Thanks to their high placement, the digital daytime running lights give the Q6 Sportback e-tron its striking and unique appearance. The rear, which tapers more dynamically than the SUV’s, blends sporty elegance and power. The analogies to the e-tron GT family are unmistakable. With its continuous light strip, the clean, spacious rear architecture gives the Sportback the clarity and poise typical of Audi. An interior meticulously tailored to the occupants The Q6 Sportback e-tron interior is more systematically oriented than ever to its occupants’ needs. Material properties were carefully considered from the early stages of interior design. Together with the Audi MMI panoramic display and the MMI passenger display, they create a visually striking digital stage. The high-contrast interior design intentionally places elements in the foreground or background, resulting in a three-dimensional spatial architecture that balances aesthetics and ergonomics tailored to the occupants. The interior ambiance is emphatically intimate. The dynamic interaction light offers a wide range of communication functions, aiding the vehicle’s interactions with its occupants. It envelops the interior and the cockpit in a generous arc. The so-called soft wrap extends from the doors through the entire cockpit to the center console, creating a cohesive and welcoming sense of space. Its colors and high-quality materials, such as Argument fabric and Dinamica microfiber, some of which are made from recycled materials, are also used in the seats. In the S line variant, the soft wrap uses Elastic Melange fabric made from recycled material. The roof lining, pillars, and sun visors are made from Draft, another fabric made with 100 percent recycled polyester. Audi also believes in sustainability when it comes to applications.

Other practical features include an even larger storage compartment under the center armrest compared to the previous model, numerous smaller storage areas for sunglasses, keys and other everyday items, an inductive and cooled charging tray with 15 watts of charging power in the front center console, two USB-C ports in the front, and two in the rear. As an option, the USB ports at the front can support charging capacities of up to 60 watts; the rear ports can even support charging capacities of up to 100 watts. This means larger devices such as laptops can be safely supplied with power while driving. Purism and dynamism: the exterior design The third generation of the Q5 SUV models has become even sportier and offers perfect proportions. The taut and high shoulder line creates a powerful silhouette, connects the front and rear lights, and makes the vehicle appear longer. Above the sill, a rising line runs over the wheel arches and into the rear bumper, giving the vehicle a dynamic appearance even when stationary. The front is self-confident, as all the defining design elements are positioned one level higher than in the predecessor model. The sporty, wide Singleframe sits high and is flanked by vertical, functional air curtains. The strongly filed and sculpturally shaped headlights create a sharp, focused look, manifesting the agile and self-confident character of the car right from the front. A large air intake with sensors sits under the Singleframe, giving the Q5 a visually full and wide stance on the road.The exterior S line impresses with striking and sporty body components, such as the Air Curtain Tubes with matt anthracite chrome-look accents. On the S model, these elements have a matt silver chrome look. The rear of the Q5 SUV has an extremely clear design thanks to the maximum reduction of lines.

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. The net capacity is 19.7 kWh. Its 96 prismatic cells, which are divided into four modules, store significantly more energy than before: thanks to optimized cell chemistry and a better package, the charge quantity of the modules is now 73 instead of 37 ampere hours. The developers have thus increased the electric range to up to 143 kilometers in the WLTP cycle. A dedicated cooling circuit ensures the battery temperature is maintained in the optimum range.

Carbon components include vertical aero elements near the front air curtains, side mirror housings, and trim around all four doors. The Audi SQ8 e-tron models also feature the new carbon components. For the dedicated sports models, the SQ8 SUV e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron, the new Carbon Style package includes all the carbon-fiber components from the S line competition exterior. The S line competition exterior for the Audi Q8 e-tron models also includes all the other parts of the S line exterior: The adaptive air suspension sport, a sports suspension based on the air suspension system, allows the customer to lower or raise the ride height in stages. Load-specific, automatic height and damping control give the car excellent driving dynamics and exceptionally high comfort. In the dark, the LED door projection draws attention with lettering that spells out “e-tron edition”. This feature illuminates the entry, helping to avoid puddles and dirt and emphasizing the unique design of the Q8 e-tron. The tinted rear, door, and side windows in the back of the car block UV radiation and prevent unwanted glimpses inside. Prices and market launch The S line competition exterior option for the Audi Q8 e-tron models is now available to order at 7,190 euros. The Carbon Style package for both versions of the SQ8 e-tron, is already available at dealerships for 2,990 euros.