World premiere of new crossover: ŠKODA expands its SUV family

› Completely new crossover model combines advantages of an SUV with the agility of a compact car
› State-of-the-art assistance systems meet fresh design and many Simply Clever features
› World premiere of the new ŠKODA model in March 2019 at the Geneva Motor Show

Mladá Boleslav, 16 January 2019 – ŠKODA’s SUV offensive is continuing apace. With the new crossover, the Czech brand is presenting another new model that will expand its SUV range, complementing the successful KODIAQ and KAROQ. ŠKODA has released a teaser image showing the vehicle’s silhouette – the first indication of what the future crossover model, which will have its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show (5–17 March), will look like. The image provides a first glimpse of the front section and also shows the distinctive new LED headlamp design with separate daytime running lights at the top and integrated dynamic indicators.

The new ŠKODA model offers the best of two worlds. It combines the advantages of an SUV – raised seating position, better overview, more comfortable ingress and egress, increased ground clearance – with the agility and handling of a compact car. This makes the ŠKODA urban crossover model an ideal car for the city and beyond. Based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB), ŠKODA model offers new assistance systems along with many Simply Clever features – one of the brand’s hallmarks, along with the spacious interior.

Follow us on https://twitter.com/skodaautonews, for the latest news. All content related to the new crossover model can be found at #NextSkoda.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Audi turns the car into a virtual reality experience platform at CES

Audi is redefining in-car entertainment at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. In the future, backseat passengers will be able to experience movies, video games, and interactive content even more realistically using virtual reality glasses. The premium brand is presenting a technology that adopts virtual content to the movements of a vehicle in real time: If the car drives through a right turn, the spaceship in the experience does the same, for example. Through a subsidiary, Audi Electronics Venture GmbH, Audi has co-founded a start-up company, holoride GmbH, which will commercialize this new form of entertainment via an open platform that will be made available to all carmakers and content developers in the future.

 

Audi is demonstrating the immersive futuristic technology with “Marvel’s Avengers: Rocket’s Rescue Run,” an in-car VR experience for backseat passengers being brought to life by Disney Games and Interactive Experiences. Wearing VR glasses, the passenger in an Audi e-tron (combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi)*: 26.2 –22.5 (WLTP); 24.6 - 23.7 (NEFZ); combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0) is transported into a fantastical depiction of outer space: The Audi e-tron now functions as the ship manned by the Guardians of the Galaxy, as the passenger makes their way through an asteroid field together with Rocket, a character that will appear in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame in spring 2019. Every movement of the car is reflected in the experience in real time. If the car turns a tight corner, the player curves around an opposing spaceship in virtual reality. If the Audi e-tron accelerates, the ship in the experience does the same.

In order to establish this new category of entertainment on the market as quickly and comprehensively as possible, Audi is taking a new approach: The premium brand has co-founded a start-up named holoride, in which it holds a minority interest through the subsidiary Audi Electronics Venture GmbH, which developed the technology. Furthermore, Audi will license the technology to holoride. The start-up will use an open platform to allow carmakers and content developers to create and offer additional extended reality formats. “Creative minds will use our platform to come up with fascinating worlds that turn the journey from A to B into a real adventure,” said Nils Wollny, Head of Digital Business at Audi, and future CEO of holoride. “We can only develop this new entertainment segment by adopting a cooperative, open approach for vehicle, device and content producers.” 

From arcade games, underwater adventures and space exploration to educational trips through historical cities or the human bloodstream, there are almost no limits to what is possible. holoride will provide a software development kit that serves as the interface to the vehicle data and transfers those into virtual realities, allowing developers to create worlds that can be experienced in-car with all of the senses. Since the visual experience and the user’s actual perception are synchronized, conventional movies, series or presentations can also be viewed with a significantly reduced chance of motion sickness. 

holoride intends to launch the new form of entertainment on the market within the next three years using standard VR glasses for backseat passengers. In the long term, the continued expansion of car-to-X infrastructure could also see traffic events becoming a part of the experience: Stopping at traffic lights could introduce unexpected obstacles to a game or interrupt a learning program with a quick quiz. 
Audi and Marvel Studios have been teaming up since the inception of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with the appearance of the Audi R8 in Iron Man (2008). Drawing upon this longstanding relationship, Audi and Disney Games and Interactive Experiences together created “Marvel’s Avengers: Rocket’s Rescue Run,” to demonstrate how a backseat passenger can enjoy their journey even more using the most innovative VR technology. “Audi, Marvel and Disney Games and Interactive Experiences are celebrating Marvel Studios’ 10th anniversary with an Avengers experience that combines world class content and innovative technology,” said Mike Goslin, Vice President, Disney Games and Interactive Experiences. “While this CES demo was developed purely in the spirit of exploration and experimentation, we are constantly evaluating emerging technologies to enhance our stories and experiences.”

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Electrifying World Premiere: Volkswagen offers First Glimpse of Mobile Charging Station

At the turn of the year, Volkswagen is offering a glimpse of the company’s future mobile quick charging station. It can be set up flexibly and independent of the power supply wherever it is needed: for example, in public parking lots in the city, on company premises, or as a temporary charging point at large-scale events. The mobile charging station works according to the principle of a power bank – which is familiar to many people with smartphones – but for electric vehicles instead. The charging capacity of up to 360 kWh enables up to 15 e-vehicles, including members of Volkswagen’s new ID. family,1 to be charged in stand-alone operation. Thanks to quick charging technology, the charging process2 only takes 17 minutes on average. If the energy content of the integrated battery set is less than 20 percent, the depleted charging station is simply exchanged for a charged one. If, however, it is permanently attached to the power supply with up to 30 kW via alternating current, the battery pack perpetually recharges itself. In case the charging process is based on renewable power supply, the charging station furthermore allows the temporary storage of sustainably generated power, such as solar or wind energy – and therefore CO2-neutral mobility.

The first mobile quick charging stations will be set up as early as the first half of 2019 in Volkswagen’s hometown as part of a pilot project, and will support the expansion of a charging infrastructure in the urban area. As of 2020, the charging station will also be implemented in other cities and communities. 

Thomas Schmall, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group Components, says: “The mobile charging stations are a decisive step toward an efficient network of charging points. They can be set up anywhere as required – with or without connection to the power supply. This flexibility enables a completely new approach for the rapid expansion of the charging infrastructure. Cities can, for example, find out the most suitable places for a permanent charging point before making major investments in developing the network. In addition, it will be possible to set up a large number of charging stations temporarily – exactly when and where they are needed.”

The mobile charging stations can be set up at defined points, for example, spread out across a city. The flexible locations can be easily found via the Internet or apps. Each charging station enables DC quick charging with up to 100 kW. In addition to electric cars, e-bikes can also be charged. Up to four vehicles can be charged simultaneously: two with DC and two with AC connections. The total battery storage capacity of up to 360 kWh is sufficient for up to 15 e-vehicles. There is also the possibility of connecting to the power supply directly, allowing the station to be charged with up to 30 kW via alternating current by means of a permanent standard grid connection. This enables charging points for electric vehicles to be set up quickly and simply, without any structural changes or major financial outlay. The battery pack in the charging station can be recharged around the clock thanks to the direct power connection. This time-independent recharging, and therefore buffering of power, also considerably reduces the strain on the power supply at peak periods.

“Our mobile charging stations offer a further crucial advantage,” says Mark Möller, Head of Technical Development at Volkswagen Group Components. “It is only when an electric car is charged with sustainably generated power that it can claim CO2-neutral mobility. Our charging station is the first to offer the possibility of temporarily storing sustainably generated power.” For example, the charging station can be charged specifically with solar or wind energy, which is then transmitted to the electric vehicles during charging. Technically, the mobile charging column is based on the battery pack of the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB). On the one hand, this offers the advantage of quick scalability and, on the other hand, the charging station allows batteries from electric vehicles to have a second life. This is because a battery loses charging capacity over time. If a vehicle battery has a defined, reduced residual capacity, it is exchanged. If this battery subsequently passes a thorough analysis, it can be reused in a mobile charging station. 

An efficient network of charging points is regarded as one of the basic infrastructural prerequisites for convincing customers to buy electric vehicles such as the Volkswagen brand’s future I.D. family.1 Accomplishing this is one of the major challenges Volkswagen Group Components and others must tackle to ensure the breakthrough of e-mobility. As of January 1, 2019, the Components division is an independent business unit within the Volkswagen Group. The mobile charging station is an in-house development with the goal of developing a closed life cycle for the battery. The start of production is planned for 2020. 

 

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The Volkswagen highlights of 2018: Electric mobility and new SUV models set the trends

Volkswagen has set an important course for the future in 2018: As the first model of the future ID. family, the zero-emission compact ID. has reached the final phase of series development. In addition, with the avant-garde ID. VIZZION saloon and the racing car ID. R Pikes Peak, Volkswagen demonstrated two more fascinating facets of electric mobility. SUVs are booming worldwide: Volkswagen followed this trend in 2018 with nine new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) – from the urban T-Cross4 to the Touareg brand flagship. Various models of different segments like the new Virtus (South America), the attractive up! GTI (Europe) or the Jetta (North America), however, made it clear that Volkswagen serves every region of the world with specific cars. This has resulted in great success: Between January and November, unit sales rose by around 280,000 year-on-year to 5.7 million Volkswagen vehicles.

Electric offensive: In March, with the ID. VIZZION, Volkswagen presented a completely automated driving saloon of the future: emission-free, range of up to 665 kilometres, can be operated via voice and gesture control and able to learn thanks to artificial intelligence. A car as a portal to the future. Three months later, with the ID. R Pikes Peak, Volkswagen revealed the purely dynamic side of electric mobility: on 24 June it pulverised the all-time record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb – the legendary Race to The Clouds (Colorado/USA). It also overtook all racing cars with combustion engines ever to have started. In December, the first media representatives were able to experience live what the future of production vehicles feels like: they accompanied Volkswagen engineers on board the ID. during test drives in South Africa. The ID. is scheduled to be launched on the market in 2020.

SUV offensive: Charismatic Sport Utility Vehicles enjoy worldwide success. At the same time, Volkswagen further expanded its range of these all-rounders. The third generation of the Volkswagen brand flagship Touareg made its international debut in March with numerous technical highlights. Specially designed for China, Volkswagen also presented the particularly spacious Tharu3 (Chinese compact class), which is tailored to families, and the Tayron3 (Chinese intermediate class), which is positioned above it. The large Teramont3 and an extended and specified version of the T-Roc for the Chinese market also celebrated their debuts in China in 2018. Below the T-Roc, the new T-Cross, the first small-vehicle SUV from Volkswagen to date, was launched on an international scale in November.

As a sister model to the Teramont, the seven-seater Atlas3) is built in the USA. On this basis, Volkswagen presented the new Atlas Cross Sport1 at the New York International Auto Show (March) – a dynamic five-seater with a hybrid drive for the metropolises of North America. The series version is scheduled to be launched on the American market in 2019. The Atlas Tanoak1 – the first pickup to be based on the innovative modular transverse matrix (MQB) – presented at the same time has been part of a trial to date. As the second MQB pickup, the Tarok Concept1 presented at the São Paulo International Motor Show caused a sensation in November.It has a loading area that can be extended into the vehicle interior and is scheduled to be launched on the Brazilian market first in the foreseeable future.

Specialities for the world: With the up! GTI, a sporty vehicle in the original GTI format was launched in 2018. 85 kW/115 PS and low weight provide a lot of driving fun. This means that the GTI family comprising Golf GTI5, Polo GTI6 and up! GTI is now complete. The Jetta, which has been produced 17.5 million times, is one of the most successful compact saloons ever. Volkswagen presented the seventh generation in Detroit this year. It is now based on the MQB and was specially developed for the US market. The new Virtus is even more compact. This MQB saloon is similar to the Polo, is produced in Brazil and was launched there first.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

New ŠKODA design language – more emotive and dynamic than ever

New sculptural shapes, dynamic design features as well as precision-designed details lend the SCALA a distinct identity. The new compact car is ŠKODA’s first production vehicle in Europe to bear ŠKODA lettering across its tailgate instead of the brand’s well-known logo.

ŠKODA Head of Design, Oliver Stefani, said, “The SCALA is an important step in the further development of the ŠKODA design language. Not only is it a car that is practical and within reach for everybody – as you’ve come to expect from our cars – but it’s also visually extremely powerful, sporty and very emotive.”

With its perfect proportions, clearly defined surfaces, flowing lines and advanced aerodynamics, the new ŠKODA SCALA comes across as modern and sporty. The front is striking with an upright radiator grille, a large air inlet underneath and side Air Curtains. The ŠKODA-specific tornado line makes the vehicle look longer and is in perfect harmony with the car’s dynamic roofline. The aerodynamically optimised roof spoiler and the sporty diffuser underneath the bumper shape the wide rear.

Extended rear window bears ‘ŠKODA’ lettering

As an alternative to the standard tailgate, the car can be ordered with an extended rear window. In this case, the ‘ŠKODA’ lettering is featured on the window itself. In addition to the extended rear window, the Emotion package comes with a large panoramic glass roof including an electrically retractable sunblind as well as full-LED headlights and tail lights.

LED technology provides visual highlights

Innovative LED headlights and tail lights also shape the ŠKODA SCALA’s appearance and showcase the brand-typical crystalline features, which are emphasized by the ŠKODA Crystal Lighting lettering. The headlights are narrow and tapered; the razor-sharp designed tail lights with rear fog light shine in the brand-typical ‘C’ shape. The SCALA is the first ŠKODA to offer dynamic rear indicators as an optional extra. The indicators are divided into individual LEDs. When the driver turns the indicators on, they flash outwards in a sweeping motion. The dynamic indicators are easily noticeable by road users, even in bad weather – an important contribution to improved road traffic safety.

Aerodynamically optimised alloys of up to 18 inches

The range of wheels available for the ŠKODA SCALA starts with 15- and 16-inch steel wheels. Furthermore, there are numerous alloys ranging between 16 and 18 inches to choose from. The 16 inch Hoedus, 17-inch Propus and 18-inch Vega Aero wheels are new to the line-up. All three come in gloss black and have been aerodynamically optimised to make the car more streamlined.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

Standout star of the compact SUVs: the new Audi SQ2

Striking design meets tremendously fun driving: Audi is presenting the SQ2 for the first time, the new top model of the Q2 family stands out in the compact SUV segment: It puts out 221 kW (300 hp), enough to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph). quattro all-wheel drive and the S sport suspension applies the power smoothly to the road. The Audi SQ2 is also at the head of its class with respect to operation, infotainment and assist systems.

 

0 – 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.8 seconds: the engine

The heart of any Audi S model is the engine, and the 2.0 TFSI in the SQ2 (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.2 – 7.0*; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 163 – 159*) is in peak form. It puts out 221 kW (300 hp) and a constant 400 Nm (295.0 lb-ft) of torque between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm. Developed by Audi engineers and built in Győr, the engine outclasses all its rivals in this segment. The same applies to the sport SUV’s performance: The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) takes 4.8 seconds, and top speed is a governed 250 km/h (155.3 mph).
The four-cylinder TFSI in the Audi SQ2 is a high-performance, 1,984 cc engine. It responds instantly up to the redline at 6,500 rpm. In the dynamic mode of the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, it responds even more directly, with brief double-clutching accompanying the gear changes by the S tronic. The engine develops a particularly sonorous sound when driven dynamically. The 2.0 liter TFSI engine weighs only around 150 kilograms (330.7 lb), which benefits not just the total weight of the Audi SQ2, but also the axle load distribution.
Numerous high-tech features hone the profile of the powerful four-cylinder. The intake and exhaust camshafts are adjustable to optimize fill and gas exchange. On the exhaust side, the Audi valvelift system (AVS) adjusts valve lift in two stages based on demand. This reduces flushing losses in the combustion chamber and ensures optimal flow of exhaust gas to the turbocharger, particularly in the low rpm range. The advantages of this are agile engine response and a further increase of torque. Controlled by a fast and precise electric overflow valve, the turbocharger develops its maximum boost of 1.4 bar (relative) very dynamically. This engine management system enhances efficiency and reduces fuel consumption during operation under part load.
Efficiency is also a major focal point with the 2.0 TFSI. Two electric-powered rotary valves consolidated into a module regulate the coolant flows. Another major component of the thermal management system is the exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head. It helps the engine to warm up quickly.
Targeted measures implemented in many components increase strength and reduce internal friction. The regulated oil pump requires little drive energy. Under part load, the engine management system deactivates FSI gasoline direct injection. Instead, fuel is injected indirectly into the intake manifold, which reduces particle emissions. A particle filter also cleans the exhaust gas.

Traction, stability and handling: the power transmission

A seven-speed S tronic with a high spread of 8.7 between the first and last gears transfers the power of the 2.0 TFSI. The driver can operate the lightning-fast dual-clutch transmission in the automatic modes D or S, or shift themselves. If the Audi drive select dynamic handling system is in “efficiency” mode, the clutch disengages when coasting, allowing the compact sport SUV to freewheel. From a residual speed of 7 km/h (4.3 mph), the engine already switches over to start-stop operation.
The seven-speed S tronic’s two clutches are in an oil bath. A small, mechanically driven gear pump supplies them with oil. At elevated demand, a second, electrically driven pump is activated. This efficient oil supply and the low friction of the individual components result in high efficiency.
As with every Audi S model, quattro all-wheel drive is standard in the SQ2. It combines high traction with fascinating handling. Its central element is a hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch. It distributes torque continuously between the axles. If the front wheels lose grip, the multi-plate clutch can transfer up to 100 percent of the force to the rear within just a few milliseconds.
The quattro drive’s electronic controller provides for the ultimate in driving enjoyment and safety. During sporty driving, it can direct torque to the rear axle as soon as the driver turns the wheel. Under acceleration, the torque literally pushes the fast SUV into the curve. The quattro management system enables precise turn-in during load reversal, and provides maximum control and reliability when drifting on a low-friction road surface. During fast driving, the quattro drive works closely together with the wheel-selective torque control, which smooths out the handling with tiny braking interventions at the inner wheels under reduced load.

20 millimeters (0.8 in) lower: the S sport suspension

The S sport suspension in the Audi SQ2 harmonizes optimally with the dynamic powertrain. With a sportier setup than the system on which it is based, it lowers the body by 20 millimeters (0.8 in). The power boost of the standard progressive steering has an S-specific characteristic. Its rack is specially geared so that the steering ratio becomes more direct the further the wheel is turned. This reduces the steering angle needed and produces a sporty driving feel. Agility is improved when maneuvering, in urban traffic and in tight bends.

Typical S model: the exterior design

The base Audi Q2 is already an SUV with a very distinctive character. The wedge-like architecture and precise body line, the flat cabin, the polygonal indentation on the flank and the blade on the C-pillar give it an unmistakable appearance. Audi has further honed the exterior design for the S model. The front end alone indicates the special position occupied by the vehicle. Eight upright double bars divide the large, octagonal Singleframe grille. A front splitter joins the outermost edges of the two dominating air inlets to underscore the full width of the brawny SQ2 front end. The standard LED headlights and LED rear lights with dynamic turn signals radiate a characteristic, arrow-shaped light signature.
Striking details also set accents on the flanks and at the rear. The trim strips in the lower region of the doors are strongly contoured; the exterior mirror housings sport a shining, aluminum-look finish. A long roof edge spoiler provides for sufficient downforce; the diffuser insert houses four exhaust tailpipes. The exterior color palette includes the standard ibis white and the optional colors ara blue, daytona gray, floret silver, glacier white, mythos black, quantum gray and tango red.
Audi offers two packages for the SQ2 as alternatives to the standard exterior. With the black styling package, the Singleframe, the air inlet grilles and the diffuser are finished in gloss black. The SQ2 exterior package also applies black styling to the mirror housings, the blade on the C-post and the tailpipe trims. The roof edge spoiler has a special contour, and quattro logos adorn the doors.
With a drag coefficient of 0.34, the Audi SQ2 glides easily through the wind. The noise level on-board remains low thanks to the vibration-optimized body and Audi’s high level of competence in aeroacoustics. A structure of hot-shaped steels, which combine extreme strength with low weight, forms the strong backbone of the passenger cell and is responsible for the high rigidity of the entire body.
The standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system lets the driver choose between the profiles auto, comfort, dynamic, efficiency and individual. It uses these profiles to manage the character of the steering, the seven-speed S tronic and additional systems. A button allows the driver to set the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) to off-road mode. Hold assist is available as an option.
The range of wheels available from Audi and Audi Sport offers a choice of ten designs and sizes. 18-inch alloy wheels with size 235/45 tires are standard; 19-inch wheels with size 235/40 tires available as an option (standard with the SQ2 exterior package). The large wheel brakes measure 340 millimeters (13.4 in) in diameter up front and 310 millimeters (12.2 in) in the rear. They are particularly durable, and their calipers – optionally painted red rather than black – have S badges.

Dynamic accents: the interior

The compact Audi SQ2 has an exterior length of 4,210 millimeters (13.8 ft) and a wheelbase of 2,594 millimeters (9.7 ft), allowing for a spacious interior. The luggage compartment has a volume of 355 to 1,000 liters (12.5 to 35.3 cu ft) depending on the position of the two or three-way split rear backrests. Standard equipment includes sport seats, a front center armrest, automatic air conditioning, a sport multifunction steering wheel – optionally with paddles for the S tronic – and the driver information system with color display.
The optional Audi virtual cockpit replaces the driver information system. The driver controls the fully digital instrument cluster via buttons on the steering wheel. The 12.3-inch display offers three different views, including a screen that places the tachometer front and center. The most important information is also visible in a head-up display, another option.
The interior design takes up the progressive, taut lines of the exterior and uses colors and materials to set sporty accents. The headlining, pillars and seat upholstery come standard in black. The decorative inlay on the instrument panel is matt brushed aluminum. The pedal caps and the footrest are made of stainless steel; the illuminated door sill trims up front sport S logos. The instrument dials are gray and the needles white. The MMI monitor and the display in the instrument cluster or Audi virtual cockpit show S-specific start screens when the ignition is switched on.
The seats of the Audi SQ2 come standard in a combination of leather and fabric. A leather/ Alcantara mix or fine Nappa leather are optionally available. Accent stripes, contrasting stitching in red and gray, plus embossed S logos round out the range. In addition to black, the fine Nappa leather upholstery is available in two colors (black with red) and with a rhombus pattern. There are two options for the decorative inlay: a red anodized paint finish and the illuminated version “Format light graphics” (with the ten-color ambient lighting package). Other options include air vents with red interior rings and the flat-bottomed steering wheel with shift paddles.
The SQ2 interior package bundles these three features: the vents with red rings, the two-color fine Nappa leather seats and the ambient lighting package with illuminated inlay. There are also specific floor mats and a key trim, both with SQ2 logo.

Top connectivity: MMI navigation plus and Audi connect

As in the Audi Q2, the infotainment range in the SQ2 covers a broad matrix. At the top is the MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. Its menus are clearly structured, and the rotary pushbutton on the center tunnel console includes a touchpad that also enables multi-finger scrolling and zooming. Voice control and MMI search are also fast and reliable. Just a few letters or words are usually enough to get the desired result. The MMI navigation plus has an 8.3-inch display; the data transmission module supports the fast LTE wireless standard and includes a Wi-Fi hotspot for the passengers’ mobile devices.
MMI navigation plus also includes the Audi connect package (optional with MMI navigation). A SIM card permanently installed in the car, the Audi connect SIM, brings numerous online services on board, including traffic information online, navigation with Google Earth, travel and parking information and access to Twitter and email. The free myAudi app connects the owner’s smartphone with the car. It enables such functions as online media streaming and transferring the calendar to the MMI.
The infotainment range in the Audi SQ2 includes such components as the Audi smartphone interface. It integrates iOS and Android mobile phones with their Apple CarPlay and Android Auto environments into the MMI system. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System features a 705 Watt amplifier driving 14 speakers. Anodized aluminum clasps frame the woofers. LED light guides radiate white light.

Technologies from the full-size class: the driver assistance systems

The driver assistance systems for the Audi SQ2 come from the full-size class. Audi pre sense front is standard and uses radar to recognize hazardous situations that can occur with crossing pedestrians or other vehicles in front of the car. The system warns the driver acoustically and visually, and initiates emergency braking if necessary. This can help to avoid or reduce the severity of a collision.
The assist package bundles the most popular optional systems, including adaptive cruise control with stop & go function and the traffic jam assist, which in addition to the radar sensor also uses the front camera. At speeds up to 65 km/h (40.4 mph) on well-developed roads, it can assist with steering, accelerating and braking.
Audi active lane assist helps the driver to stay in the driving lane. The optional park assist can automatically steer the compact sport SUV into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces. Cross traffic assist rear comes into play when the driver wants to reverse out of a perpendicular parking spot. Another assist function is Audi side assist. In conjunction with the radar sensor, it displays a visual warning in the respective exterior mirror to alert the driver of a potential hazard when changing lanes.
Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Five stars for the Audi Q3 in Euro NCAP test

The new Audi Q3 offers bumper-to-bumper safety: The compact family SUV earned the top score of five stars in the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme), one of the most important automobile safety tests in Europe.

To get the highest rating of five stars, a car has to score in all key Euro NCAP criteria. The new Audi Q3 succeeded in doing so with flying colors – in the category adult occupant protection as well as for child safety, vulnerable road user protection and driver assistance systems. The actively supporting safety systems – which include automatic emergency braking for city traffic and for highways – are included in the overall NCAP assessment with a 40% weighting for adult occupant, 20% weighting for vulnerable road users and 20% weighting for safety assist.

The new Audi Q3 has these technologies on board. The safety systems Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense front are standard equipment. The latter provides the driver with a visual, audible and haptic warning when critical situation involving pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles are detected via radar. It even initiates emergency braking if necessary. Also included as standard equipment is Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes Audi active lane assist is also standard. This system helps to prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane unintentionally. The optional assistance package bundles the adaptive cruise assist, camera-based traffic sign recognition, parking system plus, high-beam assist and emergency assist.

The new Audi Q3 is also tops when it comes to passenger protection. Components made of hot-shaped steel form the backbone of the passenger cell. They are used primarily at the transition from the longitudinal members to the bulkhead, in the center tunnel, the sills, the A- and B-pillars, the roof frame and the rear longitudinal members. The hot-shaped components, which combine low weight with extreme strength, comprise 26% of the body by weight. Their combination lays the foundation for high crash safety and rigidity.

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) is supported by a consortium of European transport ministries, automobile clubs, insurance associations and research institutes. Twelve institutions from eight European countries are involved. Almost all new vehicles are tested and rated on their passive and active safety in the Euro NCAP. The program’s test requirements considerably exceed the applicable standards required under European legislation.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com