Audi 2011 Annual Report Download - page 152

149
Management Report
134 Audi Group
143 Business and underlying
situation
143 Economic environment
145 Research and development
151 Procurement
151 Production
153 Deliveries and distribution
159 Financial performance
indicators
162 Social and ecological aspects
175 Risks, opportunities
and outlook
187 Disclaimer
The Audi Group aims to be among the premium segment’s leading players for electric mobility
by 2020. In bringing this form of travel to production maturity, the Company uses innovative
concept cars as part of a comprehensive approach spanning all practical aspects of electric
driving. Further electric study vehicles under the Audi e-tron umbrella brand were presented in
the 2011 fiscal year. The Audi A3 e-tron technology demonstrator is a compact car with an
operating range fit for everyday use thanks to its powerful electric motor and high-performance
lithium-ion battery. This all-rounder, specially designed for urban use, can drive up to 140 kilo-
meters without needing to be recharged and generates zero local emissions. In April 2011 the
Audi brand showcased the Audi A3 e-tron concept at Auto Shanghai. The four-seater notchback
sedan is a plug-in hybrid. With its two power units and lithium-ion batteries capable of storing
enough energy to drive up to 54 kilometers purely electrically, it makes very efficient use of fuel.
The Audi urban concept was then unveiled at the International Motor Show (IAA) in September
2011; this is a 1+1-seater for urban driving. Thanks to the systematic use of lightweight mate-
rials, most notably carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP), the all-electric technology study
weighs a mere 480 kilograms. The A2 concept, a premium-standard concept car, also made its
world debut at the IAA. This electric vehicle achieves a range of up to 200 kilometers over the
European standard driving cycle and already features contactless charging (Audi Wireless Charg-
ing). Faster charging was a particular development priority for this technology study. The bat-
tery can now be charged up fully in just 1.5 hours from a 400-volt three-phase supply.
The Audi brand is planning to bring the all-electric Audi R8 e-tron sports car onto the streets in
a small series towards the end of the current fiscal year.
AUDI E-TRON STUDIES
9/2010
3/2010
1/2010
Audi e-tron Spyder
Paris Motor Show
4/2011
Detroit showcar Audi e-tron
Detroit Auto Show
Audi A2 concept
IAA Frankfurt
9/2011
Audi urban concept
IAA Frankfurt
Audi e-tron
IAA Frankfurt
9/2009
Audi A3 e-tron concept
Auto Shanghai
Audi A1 e-tron
Geneva Motor Show
Audi e-tron quattro – the future shape of quattro
For over 30 years, quattro all-wheel drive has combined automotive sportiness with a high degree
of everyday suitability. In the Audi e-tron quattro development platform, the Company now com-
bines the familiar advantages of quattro all-wheel drive with electric mobility.
Intelligent powertrain management with torque vectoring allows the propulsive power to be
distributed variably between both sets of wheels, as well as between each rear wheel, thus con-
tributing to increased driving safety. If for instance the front wheels’ grip becomes poorer on
slippery surfaces, the drive torque is diverted to the rear wheels as required in a fraction of a
second.