Audi 2010 Annual Report Download - page 147

145
Management Report
132 Audi Group
141 Business and underlying
situation
141 Economic environment
143 Research and development
147 Procurement
148 Production
150 Deliveries and distribution
156 Financial performance
indicators
159 Social and ecological aspects
173 Risks, opportunities
and outlook
183 Disclaimer
Cylinder management for improved efficiency
Audi engineers have turned to cylinder management as a solution to the problem that large-
capacity, high-performance engines run predominantly at low to moderate part loads in normal
driving conditions, leading to high specific fuel consumption and high CO₂ emissions. Shutting
down several cylinders – for instance four cylinders on an eight-cylinder TFSI engine – produces
the result that the remaining cylinders operate more efficiently, improving fuel economy and
emissions. The changeover process goes unnoticed by the customer. Thanks to the use of active
engine mounts and Active Noise Cancellation ANC, comfort and acoustics remain outstanding
even when running on four cylinders. Cylinder management will be introduced from fall 2011
in the Audi brand’s new turbocharged eight-cylinder gasoline engines.
Innovations for safety
Audi active lane assist
An evolutionary version of Audi lane assist, the driver assistance system Audi active lane assist,
made its first appearance in the Audi A7 Sportback in 2010. The system actively helps the driver
to stay in the lane by means of gentle steering impulses, bringing greater driving comfort par-
ticularly on highways and main roads. If the activated system detects lane markings and the car
is traveling at a speed of at least 65 km/h, Audi active lane assist intervenes by gently manipu-
lating the steering wheel shortly before the car leaves its lane, and unintentional drifting out of
lane is prevented if necessary. If the driver wishes to take this form of assistance to the next
level, Audi active lane assist can also provide ongoing assistance to keep the vehicle traveling
right in the center of its lane. The driver remains fully in control of the car throughout these
intuitive prompts by Audi active lane assist.
OPERATING PRINCIPLE OF AUDI ACTIVE LANE ASSIST
Audi active lane assist can either intervene shortly before the vehicle leaves its lane (left picture) or provide continuous
assistance in keeping it in lane (right picture).
“Euro NCAP Advanced” seal for A4 with Audi side assist
In October 2010 the renowned European vehicle safety testing body “European New Car Assess-
ment Programme” (Euro NCAP) awarded the A4 with Audi side assist the “Euro NCAP Advanced”
seal (October 1, 2010). The lane-change assistant, active from a speed of 30 km/h, uses two
rear radar sensors to monitor traffic behind the vehicle. As soon as another vehicle is detected
there, the sensors establish its distance and the speed with which it is approaching. The driver is
informed by a warning lamp that lights up in the side mirror if a detected vehicle is assessed to
represent a hazard when changing lane. If the driver nevertheless sets the turn indicator, Audi
side assist switches to the warning mode – the yellow LED display becomes brighter and flashes
at high frequency. This coveted award endorses the Audi brand philosophy of promoting comfort
and safety through active driver assistance systems.