Audi 2007 Annual Report Download - page 146

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Several vehicles in one: Audi drive select
Audi drive select made its first appearance in a production model in the new Audi A4 Sedan.
This advanced system enables drivers to fully adapt the vehicle’s characteristics to their own
personal preferences.
Specifically, this is achieved by simultaneously incorporating various technical compo-
nents with individually variable settings, such as engine management, automatic transmis-
sion, steering and shock absorbers. In addition to the three main modes of “comfort” for a
comfortable response, “auto” for a balanced response and “dynamic” for an emphatically
sporty response, an “individual” mode is available as an option. This enables a freely con-
figurable combination of settings for the vehicle’s individual components. Consequently,
Audi drive select offers the customer a high level of individuality, successfully combining
several vehicle philosophies into one.
Acoustic roof on the Audi A3 Cabriolet
A fully automatic acoustic roof was unveiled as an equipment option for the new Audi A3
Cabriolet. Thanks to the soft top’s further improved thermal insulation and soundproofing,
the noise level inside this vehicle at a speed of 140 km/h is a mere 1 dB(A) higher than in an
Audi A3 with conventional roof. The acoustic roof opens up a whole new dimension in driv-
ing and, powered by a high-performance mechanism, takes a mere nine seconds to open.
When folded up in a Z-pattern, it takes up only a small amount of room and leaves more
trunk space than a steel roof concept would. The use of a fabric soft top also preserves the
classic, timeless convertible silhouette.
Innovations for safety
LED technology
For several years now, the Audi Group has been working extremely successfully on refining
LED technology. This offers particular advantages by comparison with conventional con-
cepts. In addition to lower energy consumption and less wear, this form of illumination is
closer to natural daylight, produces better contrast and is easier on the eye.
The Audi brand, which had already featured the first all-LED headlights (low beams, high
beams, daytime running lights, turn signals) on a production car in the Audi R8, is now mak-
ing use of this innovative lighting concept in its new models. The new Audi A4 and Audi A3
Cabriolet, for example, are optionally available with LED daytime running lights. The white
light-emitting diodes accentuate the unique character of the brand with the four rings.
Comprehensive package of assistance systems for the midsize class
The new Audi A4 Sedan is the first midsize model to feature a comprehensive package of
assistance systems adapted directly from the full-size category. This vehicle can be option-
ally equipped with Audi side assist, which alerts the driver to other vehicles in the blind spot
when changing lanes. There is also an Audi lane assist feature to alert the driver should the
car drift out of lane. The optionally available adaptive cruise control (ACC) system regulates
the distance to a preceding vehicle detected by the radar sensor by means of controlled
braking and acceleration. If the vehicle in front brakes abruptly, Audi braking guard is acti-
vated. This system initially warns the driver by means of visible and audible signals and
then, if need be, briefly but forcefully applies the brakes to prompt the driver to brake the
car if necessary.