World premiere of the Volkswagen Cross Coupe |  |
- World premiere of the Volkswagen Cross Coupe
- Strong Audi presence at 2011 Race of Champions
- Bentley’s Supersports Ice Speed Record commemorative watch by Breitling
- Audi Toolmaking wins “Excellence in Production” competition once again
- Volkswagen at the Race of Champions
- AUDI AG invests in csi group of companies
- Audi R8 GT named Sports Car of the Year 2011
| World premiere of the Volkswagen Cross Coupe Posted: 30 Nov 2011 07:09 AM PST At the Tokyo Motor Show, Volkswagen is showcasing its concept of an SUV of the future: the Cross Coupe. Visually the all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid vehicle shows how Volkswagen designers could envisage a crossover between a four-door coupe and a compact SUV. The design team led by Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff have created a fascinating study that impressively combines the best of two worlds. Original, strong in character, sculptural and dynamic, the Cross Coupe stands for the future of SUV design at Volkswagen! Pioneering technologies. Technically too the very sporty Cross Coupe concept car defines a new status, being based on Volkswagen’s new modular transverse matrix (MQB) – the first such model ever to be publicly shown. Features of the Cross Coupe consequently include strikingly short bodywork overhangs. The four-seat SUV is powered by two electric motors (1 x front, 1 x rear) and a direct injection turbo petrol engine (TSI). The Cross Coupe can drive a distance of up to 45 kilometers purely on electric power. The all-wheel drive system with ‘electric drive shaft’ represents an innovation for Volkswagen, with the rear axle being driven by the rear of the two electric motors. In this situation power is supplied to the rear electric motor by the one at the front, which during this phase acts as a generator powered by the TSI engine. In the Cross Coupe the flow of electrical energy thus replaces the conventional transfer of power by means of a drive shaft. And that creates room on board the concept car for another important technology: the centre tunnel, usually the place for the drive shaft, houses the lithium ion battery (tunnel battery) on the Cross Coupe. The low position of the battery and the general layout of the drive systems give the vehicle a very low centre of gravity and facilitate a balanced spread of axle loading. Although equipped with the all-round qualities of an SUV, the concept car therefore demonstrates the dynamic handling of a coupe. Cross Coupe with long wheelbase and short overhangs Less upright than other off-road vehicles. At 4,345 mm, the concept car being shown in Tokyo is longer than a Golf and shorter than a Tiguan. The width of 1,868 mm and height of 1,523 mm also come exactly in between these two bestsellers. In terms of its dimensions, the Cross Coupe is therefore a vehicle in the globally much in-demand A segment. It is also noticeable that at 2,630 mm the concept car has what in relation to its overall length is a very long wheelbase (52 mm longer than the Golf and 26 mm longer than the Tiguan). The bodywork overhangs (855 mm at the front and 860 mm at the back) are correspondingly short. All of the dimensions combined, the overall proportions are extremely snappy. The powerful look is underlined by large wheel tracks of 1,585 mm (front) and 1,613 mm (rear). Off-road figures like an SUV. Away from made-up roads the Cross Coupe makes its mark with bodywork figures that fall almost into the range of classic SUVs. The front angle of approach, for example, is a good 24.2 degrees and the rear in terms of off-road use an excellent 32.5 degrees. The Cross Coupe also features good off-road ground clearance. Design gives insight into car front styles of tomorrow Precisely moulded coupe silhouette. Defining features of the Cross Coupe’s look are the very long bonnet, a completely new front section design, the passenger compartment, which is set way back, and in comparison to conventional SUVs the very low window line. In general the designers have also achieved muscular and athletic, yet very clear contours. The Cross Coupe gives the appearance of a sculpture milled from a solid material: extremely precise and modern. Highly independent, the Cross Coupe shows the direction in which Volkswagen design is developing. One striking element is a shoulder line, also known as the tornado line, that looks as if it has been cut with a razor blade, which runs just below the frameless windows, extending from the front to the rear wing. Adjacent to the line to the bottom are the clearly flared wings, which create a very powerful sideline and produce a silhouette that – although robustly composed in the style of an SUV – is reminiscent of a sports car. Fitting perfectly into this picture come the 20-inch alloy wheels, equipped with 265/45 tires. To the rear a voluminous coupe-like C column rises up over the wheel arches and in silhouette the entire rear of the car appears to rest on the 20-inch alloys. The evolution of the Volkswagen front section. The great potential of the Volkswagen design DNA developed by Walter de Silva (Group Chief Designer) and Klaus Bischoff (Volkswagen Chief Designer) is shown by the concept car’s front section. In this instance, the characteristic horizontal lines of the ‘Volkswagen visage’ become a link between present and future. Unlike on today’s models, the designers have physically merged the two xenon twin headlamps with the radiator grille’s chrome-plated fins. In detail, it is two chrome bars, one above the other, that link the headlamps. Moreover, the chrome fins that ascend to the sides of the vehicle emphasize its width and are part of an entirely new type of lighting concept; the lower of the two chrome fins contains the daytime running light, and the fin above it contains the direction indicators. The light signature, headlights and grille are all expressed in a unique innovative combination. In the centre of the bumper is an area painted in the vehicle’s color, which by means of a precisely shaped character line extends upwards to form a homogenous unit with the bars of the radiator grille. Right at the bottom of the bumper is another cold air inlet, which is fitted with two additional smaller chrome bars. To the left and right of each inlet are the LED fog lights. The rear of an SUV coupe. The shallow line of the side windows also influences the rear of the car. Incorporated at a very sloping angle, the rear window is typical of a coupe. To the top rear the hatchback is finished off by a spoiler, which optically extends the roof surface and as a trailing edge technically optimizes the aerodynamics. The rear light clusters are kept slim. In similar fashion to their counterparts on the latest production models, such as the new CC, the rear lights feature a delicate, pale, horizontal bar that makes the lamps look very elegant. Typical of an SUV, meanwhile, is the chunky rear bumper, integrated into the left and right of which are the exhaust pipes. Multifaceted interior for four people. The best of two worlds. In the Cross Coupe the worlds of the SUV and the coupe form an exciting alliance. Inside this four-seater this leads to all details having a significantly sportier design than in conventional SUVs. For example, the dashboard: it has the dynamically precise lines of a coupe, yet is raised up like in an SUV. The surface of the dashboard exudes very refined quality, yet at the same time a very robust design. This robustness is also a feature of the controls, handgrips and general feel of things in the car’s interior. For example the centre console: the drive system and air-conditioning functions are controlled quickly and simply via two aluminum rotary switches. Located between the two switches is the button for the electric parking brake and in front of that the gear lever, also in aluminum, for the seven-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG). The lever’s strikingly wide grip is not only visually fun, but being made out of one piece also pleasing to the touch. In front of the gear lever is the start button for the engines, while to the left and right of the lever there are two robust but elegant grab handles. On the right there are also the buttons for selecting pure electric power and battery charging. Higher up come the ventilation controls, the centrally positioned hazard warning lights switch and two air vents. Another level higher there is a touchscreen display that shows on- and off-road navigation and all relevant vehicle functions, extending all the way to the sound system. Programmable instruments. Arranged behind the three-spoke steering wheel is a user-programmable instrument cluster display. A rotary control knob on the centre console can be used to dynamically select between three different display modes: ‘Sport’, ‘City’ and ‘Offroad’. The functional screen contents of the modes vary according to the mode selected, e.g. gyrometer, compass and topographic map in Offroad mode. Each of the three modes has a customized screen layout and different color scheme. Positioned centrally between the round instruments is another multifunction color display, on which vehicle information, the phone menu, audio details and alongside this further navigation data such as a 3D off-road picture can be shown. Ergonomics for long journeys. The Cross Coupe is fitted with four individual seats, which have all been designed as bucket seats with solidly integrated headrests. These seats have particularly well-balanced ergonomic qualities. The four passengers have ample room to the side, in front and above. The backs of the rear seats and of the front passenger’s seat can be folded fully forwards to load surfboards, paragliders or other bulky gear into the Cross Coupe. A particularly helpful feature here is that the seat backs have an outer synthetic covering, so that when folded down they form a durable surface for such loads. The boot space behind the rear seats has a capacity of 380 liters (up to the window edge). If the 1,724 mm-long vehicle interior is loaded up to roof height and all the way to the backs of the front seats, the capacity increases to 1,230 liters. Electrically powered rear axle Three motors in one car. The Cross Coupe has not one but three motors, which work together efficiently as a hybrid system. At the front under the bonnet is a 110 kW TSI petrol engine delivering maximum torque of 210 Nm and an electric motor with an output of 40 kW and 180 Nm of torque. Together or individually these two motors power the front axle. If the Cross Coupe is to be used in all-wheel drive or pure electric power mode, a further electric motor cuts in. This has been integrated as a co-axial drive unit into the rear axle layout. This motor drives the rear wheels. This second electric motor generates up to 85 kW and develops torque of 270 Nm. The overall output of the system (petrol engine + battery) is a maximum of 195 kW. Tunnel battery powerhouse. When the vehicle is being driven purely on electric power, the electric motors receive their current from an 8-module lithium ion battery. The battery holds 9.8 kWh of energy and is located inside the Cross Coupe’s centre tunnel, i.e. where the drive shaft is found in conventional SUVs. An electronic power control module, operating at around 370 volts and integrated into the engine compartment, manages the flow of high-voltage energy from and to the battery and to the electric motors. Meanwhile, the Cross Coupe’s low voltage electrical system is supplied with the necessary 12 volts through a DC/DC converter. The electric drive system causes no space restrictions in the vehicle’s interior. The battery gets charged either via external electricity sources (230-volt connection) or – in motion – via the TSI engine and battery regeneration (both front and rear axles). Fuel consumption of just 2.7 liters per 100 km. With a full tank of fuel the Cross Coupe weighs 1,748 kg (58% on the front axle, 42% on the rear). It can take a further load of 450 kg and be driven a distance of up to 45 km on purely electric power. In doing so the vehicle produces no emissions. In the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) the TSI engine’s fuel consumption is just 2.7 liters per 100 km, equating to CO2 emissions of only 62 g/km. With a fuel tank capacity of 55 liters, the theoretical range in hybrid mode is 815 kilometers. Adding in the electric range, the Cross Coupe can do 855 km without stopping for fuel. Sustainable and yet still dynamic. Despite the focus on sustainability the concept car being shown in Tokyo is still sporty. The Cross Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7 seconds and has a top speed of 201 km/h. If forward propulsion is being provided solely by the electric motors, the top speed is regulated down to 120 km/h. Both the consumption figures and driving performance are positively influenced by the Cross Coupe’s aerodynamic properties. The optimally balanced aerodynamics built into the design and the very low overall height (for an SUV) produce a very good drag coefficient of 0.329. How the hybrid drive system works. Both electric motors help (boost) the petrol engine (TSI) during acceleration. As mentioned above, however, they can also power the concept car on its own for a distance of up to 45 kilometers, depending on conditions. Here, by opening the clutch, the TSI gets disconnected from the drive-train and switched off. The clutch on the gearbox side, however, remains closed and the seven-speed DSG thus remains connected. Cross Coupe drivers can themselves also choose to drive relatively long distances on pure electric power (as long as the battery has enough charge). To do so the driver simply presses the relevant driving mode button on the centre console next to the gear lever. As soon as the TSI needs to be brought back into play due to the battery’s level of charge or any other parameters, the engine starts up – almost imperceptibly for driver and passengers – and smoothly engages with the drive train. Charging at the press of a button. Whenever the Cross Coupe’s brakes are applied, both electric motors act as a generator, utilizing the braking energy to charge the battery (battery regeneration). The driver can (via another button next to the gear lever) also consciously charge the battery from the TSI engine – for instance, in order to have sufficient electric power to drive later in a regulated zone preserved exclusively for zero-emission electric vehicles. At all times, the current electric range and the Cross Coupe’s overall range are displayed on the instrument panel. The engine controller regulates all energy flow and drive management tasks taking into account the minute-by-minute demands for power made by the driver. ‘Electric power’, ‘Charge’ and three further modes. Based on the amount of drive (for instance, loss of traction on the front axle) or through the driver consciously switching to all-wheel or electric mode, the second electric motor integrated with the rear axle engages it in an instant. In general there are three driving modes available to the driver: City (eco-mode with minimal fuel consumption), Sport (dynamic driving) and Offroad (permanent all-wheel drive).                           - Volkswagen Related posts: World premiere of the Volkswagen Cross Coupe
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| Strong Audi presence at 2011 Race of Champions Posted: 29 Nov 2011 01:36 PM PST Audi will be represented at the 2011 Race of Champions at the ESPRIT arena in Dusseldorf on December 3 and 4, 2011 with its strongest line-up ever. As many as four Audi “factory” drivers will compete with Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel & company. In addition, the brand with the four rings is deploying the 525-HP Audi R8 LMS to the meeting of the world’s best race and rally drivers as the most powerful competition vehicle in the field. Filipe Albuquerque (Portugal), Mattias Ekstrom (Sweden), Tom Kristensen (Denmark) and Timo Scheider (Germany) were invited to participate in the eagerly awaited meeting that attracted more than 64,000 spectators last year. Consequently Audi has good chances of providing the best of the best at the Race of Champions yet again. Three times the two-time DTM Champion Mattias Ekstrom has previously won the title at the Race of Champions. In 2006, at the finale in Paris, the Audi factory driver sensationally defeated local hero Sébastien Loeb, who has meanwhile become the eight-time World Rally Champion. Both in 2007 in London and in 2009 in Beijing, the Swede prevailed against Michael Schumacher. In 2010, Ekstrom was unable to run due to a conflicting commitment in the DTM finale at Shanghai (China). Yet last year it was again an Audi racer – at that time still employed by Audi Sport Italia –, the Portuguese Filipe Albuquerque, who prevailed against the world’s elite. “The successes of our drivers at the Race of Champions show the high level of driving skills that exist at Audi,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “I think this was made obvious by our triumphs in the DTM and at the Le Mans 24 Hours as well.” At the Race of Champions a select group of the world’s best race and rally drivers traditionally competes against each other in identical vehicles. The most powerful competition vehicle in 2011 is the Audi R8 LMS that already impressed the participants at last year’s event in Dusseldorf. With a track record of more than 110 victories in just three years, the mid-engine sports car from quattro GmbH has meanwhile become one of the world’s most successful GT3 vehicles. This year, among other events, the Audi R8 LMS won the 12-hour race at Bathurst (Australia) and the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) in which over 60 GT3 sports cars competed. In Dusseldorf, the Audi R8 LMS will run on an about one-kilometer parallel track that is being specifically set up for the Race of Champions at the ESPRIT arena. Featuring a width of 7.5 meters, the circuit is the widest one in the history of the event that dates back all the way to 1988. Tom Kristensen, who with eight victories under his belt is the most successful Le Mans racer of all time, has been competing at the Race of Champions since 2001, and thus longer than any other entrant. “The Race of Champions is a fantastic event, that’s why I always enjoy returning to this race,” says the Audi factory driver. “The audience is enthusiastic and I look forward to competing again with Mattias (Ekstrom) in the ROC Nations Cup.” In 2005, Ekstrom and Kristensen as “Team Scandinavia” won the Nations Cup on the eve of the single event. Most recently, Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel prevailed four consecutive times. Aiming to break the winning streak of “Team Germany” are not just Ekstrom and Kristensen but also the two-time DTM Champion Timo Scheider who together with Formula One racer Timo Glock is forming the “SAT.1 Team Germany 2.” “Obviously, Team Germany with two Formula One World Champions has the favorite’s role,” says the Audi factory driver. “But I’m sure that Timo (Glock) and I will not just have a lot of fun in Dusseldorf but will be competitive too.” This also applies to title defender Filipe Albuquerque. The second-best newcomer of the 2011 DTM season, who achieved his first DTM podium at Valencia at the start of October, was the sensational winner of last year’s ROC in Dusseldorf. “I’m really looking forward to compete again in the Race of Champions and to defend my title,” explains the Portuguese. The comeback of Mattias Ekstrom, who will contest the Race of Champions again after a one-year break, is being awaited with particularly eager anticipation. “In 2010, it was pretty painful having to watch the action from a distance,” says the Swede who won three DTM races and the Spa 24 Hours this year – the latter at the wheel of an Audi R8 LMS by the way. “I’m very much looking forward to being part of it again this year.” Related posts: Strong Audi presence at 2011 Race of Champions
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| Bentley’s Supersports Ice Speed Record commemorative watch by Breitling Posted: 29 Nov 2011 01:11 PM PST Inspired by Juha Kankkunen’s world-record breaking exploits on the ice, Bentley and Breitling have once again combined British chic and Swiss tradition to create a limited edition chronograph to mark this grand achievement. Bentley’s most potent and radically-styled convertible ever – the 202mph (325km/h) Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ convertible – is a celebration of the world ice speed record set by Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen in a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible. The ISR Supersports convertible – just 100 cars will be produced – provides the inspiration for the new timepiece. The Supersports Ice Speed Record commemorative watch is the perfect embodiment of the two companies’ shared passion for prestige and performance. This remarkable combination of handcrafted technology and striking aesthetics is also restricted to 100 and is only available without charge to those who buy the car. Driving the all-wheel drive, biofuel-powered 6-litre, 12-cylinder Continental Supersports convertible on the perilous frozen Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, Kankkunen achieved a speed of 205.48 mph (330.695 km/h) eclipsing his own ice speed record of 199.83 mph (321.6 km/h) set in 2007 in the Continental GT. Look closer, and you’ll see the watch shares many of the same design cues as the limited edition extreme Bentley. The distinctive red detailing. The carbon fibre fascia with dashboard-style dial. The classically knurled finish on the control buttons. Even the carbon fibre presentation box. All combine to create a unique and original timepiece like no other. Wolfgang Duerheimer, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, said: “Juha Kankkunen’s drive was a remarkable achievement and worthy of a very special car. The Continental Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ is a true driver’s car that captures that unique Bentley spirit. It offers extreme performance, agility and an extrovert personality, while retaining the refinement, handcrafted luxury and comfort our customers expect.” It is no coincidence that both watch and car are personalized with the same engraved number, upholding the renowned and time-honored tradition of genuine exclusivity of both Breitling and Bentley. Highly sought. Pure Bentley and Breitling through and through. Limited edition Supersports Ice Speed Record chronograph specification Movement: • Breitling Calibre 27B • Officially chronometer-certified by the COSC • Self-winding • High-frequency (28,800 vibrations per hour) • 38 jewels • 1/4th of a second chronograph • Central 60-minute totaliser • Combined 60-minute and 12-hour totaliser • Calendar Case: • Titanium case with special engraving on reverse • Dial with carbon fibre weave • Water resistant to 100m • Bidirectional rotating pinion bezel with variable tachometer (circular slide rule) • Cambered sapphire crystal face, glare proofed on both sides • Screw-locked crown • Diameter: 49mm Strap: • Highly durable rubber Presentation Box: • Premium carbon fibre presentation box with a unique identification plaque Related posts: Bentley’s Supersports Ice Speed Record commemorative watch by Breitling
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| Audi Toolmaking wins “Excellence in Production” competition once again Posted: 29 Nov 2011 07:39 AM PST The AUDI AG Toolmaking Division has once again proven the pioneering nature of its role in the industry. Audi was able to outperform 291 competitors from the German-speaking regions in the “Excellence in Production” competition and can now lay claim to the title “Toolmaker of the Year 2011.” The awards ceremony took place during the 11th International Colloquium “Tool and Die-Making for the Future” in Wiesbaden. This was the third time that the award has gone to the automaker from Ingolstadt. Frank Dreves, Member of the Board of Management for Production at AUDI AG, views this as an important guidepost: “Our Toolmaking Division has not been resting on its laurels, but has instead continued developing by leaps and bounds,” underscores Dreves. He is convinced that the Audi Toolmaking Division is well equipped to master future challenges and keep pace with developments: “After all, innovation, sustainability and in particular our employees are key guarantees of lasting success.” During the awards ceremony in Wiesbaden, the distinguished jury of experts consisting of representatives from industry, research and associations gave special praise to the introduction of synchronized production at the Audi Toolmaking Division. All work steps are perfectly coordinated with each other to yield a more streamlined and efficient production process. The jury members were also impressed by the separate innovation department devoted solely to development of topics related to production of equipment for modern materials such as carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs). As a general contractor for car bodies, Audi Toolmaking is thus significantly expanding its product portfolio. “We have consistently converted the toolmaking process to synchronized production and are continually looking for ways to optimize our products and processes,” says Michael Breme, Head of the Audi Toolmaking Division, describing how his area has developed. “Together with our highly qualified team, these are the main reasons for our success in the ‘Excellence in Production’ competition,” he adds. Audi Toolmaking covers the entire metal panel production chain and has established itself as a strategic supplier. The Volkswagen Group designated Audi Toolmaking a “Center of Excellence” in November 1996. Approximately 1,860 employees work at the various toolmaking locations in the Audi Group: 950 in Ingolstadt, 400 in Neckarsulm, 450 in Győr, 50 in Barcelona and ten in Beijing. Revenue from toolmaking alone totaled €540 million in 2010. The “Toolmaker of the Year” award is an initiative from the Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen and the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT). This was the eighth annual “Excellence in Production” competition. - Audi Related posts: Audi Toolmaking wins “Excellence in Production” competition once again
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| Volkswagen at the Race of Champions Posted: 29 Nov 2011 06:46 AM PST Will the Formula One world champion strike back in the Scirocco R-Cup race car in 2011? After the premiere last year the bio natural gas coupe will again be fielded at the 2011 Race Of Champions: a good opportunity for Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel to get revenge in the 275-HP Scirocco for last year’s defeat against U.S. motocross star Travis Pastrana. Besides Vettel and Pastrana the list of the top drivers who will meet at the Dusseldorf Football Arena on 3 and 4 December reads like the international motorsport hall of fame. In addition to Vettel, the new Volkswagen rally factory driver Sebastien Ogier, the Formula One world champions Michael Schumacher and Jenson Button, the eight-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen and the DTM champions Timo Scheider, Martin Tomczyk and Mattias Ekstrom will be competing at the race, among others. “We’re proud that the organizers of the Race Of Champions have again selected the Racing Scirocco as a car to be fielded at the event. This shows the prestige which the Scirocco R-Cup enjoys worldwide as a one-make cup,” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. Duel in the Scirocco: Vettel vs. motocross super star Travis Pastrana However, in 2010, it was a Scirocco of all cars in which Formula One world champion Vettel had to accept one of his few defeats. In a direct duel, motocross star Travis Pastrana, not least thanks to clever use of the push-to-pass button that allowed each driver to activate an additional 50 HP for four seconds four times during the race, had achieved a surprise victory against Vettel. “The push-to-pass button is a brilliant idea. By using it I was able to beat Sebastian as late as on the finish straight,” said Pastrana last year as he expressed his enthusiasm about the power boost at his fingertips. 80 per cent less CO2: bio natural gas drive at Race Of Champions Thanks to the use of bio natural gas the two-litre engine of the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup reduces the overall carbon footprint, consisting of the fielding at the race and logistics, by 80 per cent – compared with conventional petrol fuels. At the Race Of Champions the Cup Scirocco is the only vehicle featuring an alternative drive concept. The Scirocco R-Cup (www.volkswagen-motorsport.com) is entering its third season in 2012, being held as part of the DTM programme. Spectacular races are guaranteed by the Pro, Junior and Legends Cup, and the innovative push-to-pass system. - Volkswagen Motorsport Related posts: Volkswagen at the Race of Champions
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| AUDI AG invests in csi group of companies Posted: 28 Nov 2011 07:41 AM PST AUDI AG is planning to acquire a 49 percent stake in the csi group of companies. The brand with the four rings will use the acquired expertise to create additional capacity for the development of new models. “The engineers at csi have been a reliable partner to us for more than a decade,” commented Michael Dick, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG. “Together we have already brought plenty of successful projects onto the road – the R8 being a prime example.” Steffen Boll, Managing Director and co-founder of csi verwaltungs GmbH, is convinced that Audi and csi will benefit from the deeper relationship. “Take lightweight construction, for example. Our approaches to intelligent composite construction are a good fit – there will be plenty of scope for synergy.” The core areas of expertise of csi’s workforce of around 250 include interior and body development, as well as lightweight construction based on an innovative mix of materials. Alongside its Development Center in Neckarsulm, csi has operations in Ingolstadt, Sindelfingen, Munich, Winterberg, Wolfsburg, Weissach and Zwickau. The planned investment in csi is currently being examined by the relevant antitrust authorities. Related posts: AUDI AG invests in csi group of companies
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| Audi R8 GT named Sports Car of the Year 2011 Posted: 25 Nov 2011 07:44 AM PST The Audi R8 GT is “Sports Car of the Year 2011” in the category “Production Supercars.” 2011 marks the 10th time that a jury from the Auto Bild SportsCars trade journal has awarded the prize, which was presented this evening at the Essen Motor Show. Stephan Reil, Head of Development at quattro GmbH, accepted the award, one of the most coveted in the German automotive industry, for the Audi R8 GT before some 450 invited guests. 70,976 readers of the magazine took part in this year’s anniversary voting for “Sports Car of the Year 2011.” The Audi subsidiary, quattro GmbH is responsible for the development and production of the Audi high-performance sports car. Its 5.2-liter V10 engine produces 412 kW (560 hp), making it a driving machine with excellent longitudinal dynamics and lateral acceleration as well as lightning-fast, virtually instantaneous reactions. The engineers have reduced the weight of the Audi R8 GT by another 100 kg (220.46 lb) compared with the R8 5.2 FSI quattro. The car accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 320 km/h (198.84 mph). Its average ECE fuel consumption is just 13.9 liters per 100 km (16.92 US mpg). 173 cars that had previously proven their worth in more than 300 tests and road reports were nominated in 17 classes, which were further broken down into Production, Tuning and Limited Production. Besides the winner, five other Audi models were placed in the top three of their respective classes: the Q7 V12 TDI in the category “Production SUV,” the RS 3 Sportback in the category “Production Compact Cars,” the RS 5 in “Production Coupés,” the Audi A6 Avant 3.0 TFSI quattro in “Production Station Wagons” and the R8 GT Spyder in the category “Production Convertibles.”                                                                                 - Audi Related posts: Audi R8 GT named Sports Car of the Year 2011
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