Audi 2014 Annual Report Download - page 158

ECONOMIC REPORT
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
158 >>
The 4.0 TFSI engine, featured in such models as the RS7
Sportback, is another example of remarkable dynamism. The
high-performance engine developing 412 kW (560 hp) acceler-
ates the RS7 Sportback from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
The innovative cylinder on demand technology is instrumental
in making this vehicle so efficient. For all its power and sporti-
ness, the model covers 100 kilometers on an average of only
9.5 liters of Super Plus fuel.
// AWARDS FOR AUDI ENGINES
In 2014, the 2.5 TFSI engine was voted “International Engine
of the Year” in its category for the fifth year in succession. The
engine was rated by an international panel of experts comprising
82 motoring journalists from 34 countries. The five-cylinder
power unit scored especially highly for its performance and
powerful sound (www.ukipme.com/engineoftheyear/
results.php?id=18).
In addition, the U.S. online magazine Digital Trends chose the
V8 biturbo 4.0 TFSI as its “Engine of the Year.” The engine was
especially commended for its outstanding efficiency and power.
The jury also applauded its innovative cylinder deactivation –
cylinder on demand technology – which has yielded a reduction
in fuel consumption in the RS7 Sportback (http://motioncars.
inquirer.net/25916/bounty-of-awards-for-audi-cars-
worldwide-early-in-the-year).
// LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY
Audi has been systematically promoting the development of
automotive lighting technology for many years now. Our
headlights not only define the appearance of our models;
more significantly, they also raise the standards of comfort
and safety by improving illumination of the road ahead.
Matrix LED headlights, which Audi brought onto the market
back in 2013, are an entirely new concept in the sphere of
automotive lighting technology because they make car driving
safer and more comfortable, while also improving fuel effi-
ciency. The innovative, energy-saving functions of Matrix LED
headlights are available on the current models of the Audi TT,
A6, A7 and A8 car lines as well as on the new Q7.
Our Matrix LED headlights on the Audi A8 also impressed
industry experts and were rewarded with the prestigious
“Best of Best” award in the Automotive Brand Contest
(www.german-design-council.de/en/design-awards/
automotive-brand-contest/2014/online-exhibition/
best-of-best.html).
In the year under review, another innovation in lighting tech-
nology made its debut at Audi. We unveiled the first production
model with laser high beam in the shape of the new R8LMX, a
limited-edition supercar. In this case, one laser module in each
headlight generates a light cone that extends twice as far as
the high beam of an all-LED headlight. The laser beam is con-
verted into white light suitable for use in road traffic. This
helps the driver to identify contrasts more easily and reduces
fatigue. The innovative laser high beam, which is activated
from 60 km/h, ideally complements the Matrix LED headlights
and hugely improve visibility and safety for the driver.
Our engineers work in close cooperation with their Audi
motorsport colleagues in advancing the development of inno-
vative lighting technology. The combination of LED and laser
high beam was used and tested for the first time in June 2014
on the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro at the 24 Hours of
Le Mans.
/ FUTURE MOBILITY
// AUDI E-TRON
To reduce our vehicles’ COĊ emissions and lay the foundation
for COĊ-neutral mobility, we are stepping up our activities in
the field of electric mobility under the umbrella term
Audi e-tron. For a number of years now, Audi has been working
on a broad-based approach with the goal of coordinating all
systems and components as effectively as possible, in order to
maximize the potential of electric mobility.
Audi presented its first showcar with electric drive back in
2009. Other concept cars followed in later years, for example
in 2014 we presented a concept car with plug-in hybrid drive,
called the Audi TT offroad concept. We also reached a new
milestone for Audi in electric mobility in the year under review
with the launch of the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, which has
been available for customers since the end of 2014. We will be
steadily broadening our range in this area over the next few
years. The start of 2015, for instance, will see the arrival of an
e-tron version of the Audi Q7. In 2016, we plan to introduce an
e-tron version of the Audi A6L for the Chinese market.