2009 Geneva Motor Show: Audi Launches Four New Models - COMPLETE VIDEO
 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro |
• Audi A4 allroad quattro
• Audi TT RS –
• Audi A5 Cabriolet / S5 Cabriolet – Fall 2009 U.S. launch
GENEVA - March 4, 2009: A vehicle that knows no boundaries (except for the U.S. market, where it is not approved), Audi launched the A4 Allroad Quattro yesterday at the 79th Geneva Motor Show. With its permanent all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance, the A4 can handle any road or trail; it also offers driving pleasure – even on unpaved surfaces. Naturally, the Audi A4 Allroad Quattro features all the innovative technologies which impart to the A4 model line its superiority: a range of powerful and highly energy-efficient engines, Audi drive select (intelligent handling technology), the high-tech S tronic transmission, and innovative communication and assistance systems. The vehicle will be available in early summer at a basic price of 37,100 euros.
Click PLAY to watch the complete Audi Press Conference
The design of the Audi A4 Allroad Quattro recalls the A4 Avant: crisp lines enclose tastefully curved surfaces and the low roof line establishes a coupé-like silhouette. Striking details re-interpret this model line’s sporty elegance. The moon-gray single-frame radiator grille bears vertical chrome strips; an accentuated bumper and large air inlets underscore this vehicle’s unique identity. Chrome rings encircle the fog lights. And in the option featuring xenon plus headlights, light-emitting diodes comprise the daytime running lights and taillights. Underneath the front end and tail end, the A4 allroad has a stainless-steel underbody guard.
Viewed from the side, the vehicle dazzles with flared wheel arches, angular sills (available with stainless-steel insert strips), and large wheels – 17-inch wheels in 7-arm design are standard. The roof is capped off by an offset rail with two high crosspieces. The width of the A4 allroad quattro is emphasized by the rear bumper’s distinctive styling and the integrated horizontal reflectors. On the 2.0 TDI, the two exhaust tailpipes appear side by side; on the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI, they terminate to the left and to the right.
Body and Luggage Compartment
The Audi A4 Allroad Quattro is a truly expressive car. Its measurements
include: 4.72 meters (15.49 ft) in length, a wheelbase of 2.81 meters (9.22
ft), 1.84 meters (6.04 ft) in width, and 1.50 meters (4.92 ft) in height.
It also features greater ground clearance than the Audi A4 Avant: 180
millimeters (7.09 inches) when the Audi A4 allroad quattro is unloaded.
Audi has created a vehicle body consisting primarily of high-strength and ultra-strong steel panels – which, in turn, reduce the car’s weight while enhancing its rigidity, vibrational comfort, and impact safety. An array of precisely arranged metal sections protects passengers in the event of an accident.
In addition to the two front airbags, which take into consideration the precise positions of the driver and front-seat passenger, there are side air bags in the front and, optionally, in the rear as well. Last but not least, a head-protection airbag system also stands at the ready. The integral head-restraint system in the front diminishes the risk of whiplash in the event of a rear-end collision.
The luggage compartment’s base capacity is 490 liters (17.30 cubic feet). This can be increased, however, to an impressive 1,430 liters (50.50 cubic feet) and a length of 1.78 meters (5.84 feet) by folding down the split rear-bench backrest, which optionally features a load-through hatch with removable ski bag. The hatch is exactly one meter wide (3.28 feet). The luggage compartment boasts an ingenious design which enhances its use and is lined with high-quality carpet.
Befitting its character, the A4 Allroad Quattro has a wealth of practical flourishes: the luggage-compartment cover and the partition safety netting are stored in separate compartments; a mere tap of the hand triggers the cover to automatically retract upward. Additional standard equipment includes fastening rings and bag hooks as well as a shelf on one side with an adjustable net.
Every Audi A4 allroad quattro also has a reversible loadliner, the underside of which has been designed as a dirt-resistant tray. Optional equipment includes a reversible mat, a 12-volt outlet, an electromechanical assembly for the tailgate, and a load-securing set with a telescopic rod and strap retainer. The load-securing set’s two rails in the floor allow the luggage compartment to be divided as required.
Interior
Refined touches, uncompromising quality and flawless functionality: the
interior of the Audi A4 allroad quattro embodies all the strengths for
which Audi is renowned. The cockpit clearly serves the driver. Among the
control unit’s highlights: the standard electromechanical handbrake
– which has replaced the lever on the center console with a button
– and the central on-board monitor. A color display complements the
concert or symphony sound system, or the MMI navigation system plus; the
MMI’s offset control unit is housed in the center console.
Customers can choose one of several different trim materials: an exclusive allroad fabric, two types of leather, or an Alcantara/leather combination. The fabric designs are available in two colors and the leather trim in seven colors (two of which feature sporty contrasting stitching). Standard inlays are micrometallic platinum; options include aluminum trigon, natural fine-grain ash, laurel nutmeg, and walnut brown. Carpeting is made of velour; the headlining is star silver, linen beige, or black (optional). Many of the operating controls gleam thanks to their standard aluminum look; the door sill trims bear special allroad logos.
As for seats, Audi offers a seat-heating system, electrical adjustability, a sporty version with pronounced side sections, and climate-controlled comfort seats. The latter not only can be heated, but also deliver relief on hot days thanks to an integrated cooling unit with small fans. The long wheelbase of the A4 allroad quattro ensures plenty of interior space – even on the rear bench seat.
The Engines
Audi will initially offer three different engines for the A4 Allroad Quattro:
a gasoline engine and two diesel engines. All three are
turbocharged direct-fuel-injection engines. They command respect due to
excellent performance, impressive pulling power, smooth running, and high
fuel efficiency. The engines are further bolstered by pioneering
technologies arising from Audi’s modular efficiency expertise. For
example, all three units boast a standard on-board recuperation system,
which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy during
deceleration.
The 2-liter TFSI – voted “Engine of the Year” on four consecutive occasions by an international panel of experts – incorporates three high-end technologies: FSI direct gasoline injection, the turbocharger, and the Audi valvelift system, which boosts pulling power by means of a variable control system. Between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm, the four-cylinder engine delivers 350 Nm of torque to the crankshaft. Peak output is 155 kW (211 bhp). In addition, the 2-liter TFSI propels the Audi A4 allroad quattro to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 6.9 seconds, and to a top speed of 230 km/h (142.92 mph). On average, it consumes a mere 8.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (29.04 mpg).
As for the 2.0 TDI, the successor to the most successful diesel engine ever, a common-rail system providing injection pressure of 1,800 bar ensures excellent driving refinement. The two-liter diesel engine delivers 350 Nm between 1,750 and 2.500 rpm. A respectable 125 kW (170 bhp) provides admirable output, yet requires just 6.4 liters of fuel per 100 km (36.75 mpg). The Audi A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TDI reaches 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 213 km/h (132.35 mph).
The very best of the three engines is the 3.0 TDI. This V6 diesel produces 176 kW (240 bhp) and transmits 500 Nm of torque to the crankshaft at 1,500 to 3,000 rpm. The 3.0 TDI in conjunction with S tronic propels the Audi A4 allroad quattro to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.4 seconds, and tops out at 236 km/h (146.64 mph). On average, the three-liter engine sips only 7.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (33.13 mpg). Like the other two engines, it already meets the EU’s Euro 5 emission standard.
AUDI TT RS
The Audi TT RS, which is also not approved for the U.S., is a Pure Driving Machine developing 340 bhp
 Audi TT RS |
Sporty five-cylinder gasoline engines have a long legacy at Audi. The most famous is arguably the turbocharged 2.1-liter engine in the Audi quattro. The first version, which was launched in 1980, offered an impressive 147 kW (200 bhp). And the Sport quattro from 1984, directly inspired by motorsport, delivered a whopping 225 kW (306 bhp). For 25 years, turbochargers and quattro have been a dynamic formula for success.
Audi has resumed using this recipe. Designed from scratch, the five-cylinder engine combines a turbocharger with FSI direct gasoline injection to elevate the TT RS to a high-performance sports car. The TFSI delivers 250 kW (340 bhp) from a displacement of 2,480 cc (151.34 cu in): a specific output of 100.8 kW (137.1 bhp) per liter.
The power-to-weight ratio is also outstanding. In the case of the Coupé, which weighs in at a mere 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 pounds), the power-to-weight ratio is just 4.3 kilograms per bhp. The Roadster has a weight of 1,510 kilograms (3,328.98 pounds) and a power-to-weight ratio of 4.4 kilograms per bhp – thanks to its extremely lightweight and largely aluminum body constructed as per the Audi Space Frame principle.
The TT RS Coupé rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.14 mph) in 4.6 seconds; the Roadster needs just a tenth of a second longer. The limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is merely the official figure for both versions; as an option, Audi can increase it to 280 km/h (173.98 mph).
Almost even more impressive is the aggressive pulling power. The maximum torque of 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) is always available between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. In addition, the TT RS overtakes without the slightest effort. Last but not least, its engine makes passengers’ skin tingle time and again thanks to its speedy and powerful response, its inspiring free-revving character, and its unmistakably guttural tailpipes: five-cylinder classical music by Audi!
Compact and Lightweight: The Five-cylinder TFSI
As an uncompromising sports-car engine, the 2.5-liter TFSI is
ultra-compact. Just 49 centimeters (19.29 inches) in length, it is ideally
suited for transverse installation in the TT RS. And its weight of just 183
kilograms (403.45 pounds) also sets a record. The crankcase is made of
vermicular-graphite cast iron. This high-tech material unites the utmost in
strength with low weight; it has otherwise only been used for the large TDI
engines from Audi. Perfectly placed reinforcements enhance the
block’s loadability. The lightweight cylinder head, the pistons, and
the connecting rod are lightweight as well as high-strength.
The ultra-powerful five-cylinder engine is extremely fuel-efficient, requiring an average of just 9.2 liters/100 km [25.57 mpg] as regards the Coupé (Roadster: 9.5 l/100 km [24.76 mpg]). Switchable flaps in the intake manifold mix the incoming air in a calculated configuration. Injected at a pressure as high as 120 bar by the common-rail system, the gasoline swirls intensely in the combustion chamber – which in turn cools the walls. This subsequently facilitates a compression ratio of 10.0:1, which is very high for a turbocharged engine. Both of the adjustable camshafts, controlled via chains, also enhance charging efficiency with respect to the air-fuel mixture.
The large turbocharger generates up to 1.2 bar of boost pressure. The intercooler, fed air ideally by the lower segment of the single frame radiator grille, reduces the temperature of compressed air by over 80 percent at full load.
When an Audi TT RS driver pushes the standard Sport button on the center tunnel, a flap installed in the left exhaust tailpipe renders the exhaust noise even more robust and intense while boosting engine responsiveness. An optional Sport exhaust system is available with matt black tailpipe trims and sound flap.
For Purists: The Driveline
The Audi TT RS is the first classic sports car in the Audi RS family.
Like the RS 4 and the RS 6, the Audi TT RS was developed by quattro GmbH as
a pure, no-holds-barred driving machine. A new six-speed manual
transmission conveys the engine’s tremendous power, and permits easy
and precise operation thanks to a specially designed shift lever boasting
particularly short shift travel. The transmission’s defining
characteristics are a high efficiency ratio and a sportily narrow spread of
the gear ratios.
The Audi TT RS features quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Its heart lies at the rear axle: an electronically controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch. If a situation calls for it, the clutch redirects a majority of the torque input from the front wheels to the rear wheels.
Within milliseconds, a powerful electrical pump in conjunction with an accumulator presses together the clutch’s plates via hydraulic pressure. Additions to the quattro powertrain include a constant velocity joint before the propeller shaft and a compact rear-axle differential – both are heavy-duty components.
The Face of Power: The Exterior
At just 4.20 meters (13.78 feet) in length, the vigorously compact Audi
TT RS hints at its explosive potential from the very first glimpse. The
front spoiler tapers downward into a splitter, reminiscent of a racing car.
The large and squared air inlets have diamond-shaped inserts. And the
high-gloss black single frame grille with a frame in matt aluminum look and
the TT RS badge bear the same styling. The xenon plus headlights with LED
daytime running lights notify faraway drivers that an Audi TT RS is
approaching.
The sides of the vehicle are accentuated by large wheels in 5 twin-spoke design, vigorous side sills, and exterior-mirror casings in matt aluminum look. At the tail end, the two large oval exhaust tailpipes – spaced apart – are encircled by a diffuser insert. Here, too, is a TT RS badge. A stationary rear spoiler is standard, though customers can opt for one which automatically extends and retracts. Thanks to a drag coefficient of just 0.3, the 2+2-seat coupé and the two-seat roadster glide effortlessly through the wind. Audi offers the TT RS in eight colors. Among them are four exclusive options: Daytona Gray, pearl effect; Mugello Blue, pearl effect; Sepang Blue, pearl effect; and Suzuka Gray, metallic. The Roadster’s soft top comes in black or dark gray.
Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet – the joy of open-top driving: Fall 2009 U.S. Launch
 Audi A5 and S5 |
Delivery will begin in May 2009. Prices start at 37,300 euros for the entry-level 1.8 TFSI model with 118 kW (160 hp), which will follow somewhat later.
Crowning the new model series is the S5 Cabriolet. The letter “S” traditionally stands for supreme sportiness – for dynamics, performance and power, but also for amazing efficiency. Powering the S5 Cabriolet is a newly developed, supercharged three-liter V6 that pumps out 245 kW (333 hp) for superior performance.
Like all Audi convertibles, the open-top A5 also has a lightweight fabric top that endows it with a silhouette of dynamic elegance. The fully automatic top opens in just 15 seconds. Audi also offers an optional acoustic top with an intermediate layer of insulating foam that reduces wind noise almost to the sedan level.
When opened, the Audi A5 Cabriolet top folds down so effectively that very little trunk space is used up – leaving 320 liters (11.30 cubic ft) of unused storage volume, clearly the best value in its field of competitors. The soft top compartment lowers automatically when the top is opened. Equally useful is the fold-down rear seat backrest and the large pass-through between the luggage compartment and the interior, which increases the storage volume to a generous 750 liters (26.49 cubic ft).
Rounding out the comfortable character of the four-seater’s interior are automatic seatbelt extenders for the front seats and the optionally available head-level heating. A special coating on the optional leather seats reduces solar heating. The A5 Cabriolet seats four comfortably. The refined ambience combines with perfect ergonomics to convey an atmosphere of sporty elegance. Ultra-high-strength steels and selective reinforcements of the body ensure high rigidity and crash safety.
The A5 Cabriolet is being launched with three gasoline engines and two diesel engines ranging between 132 kW (180 hp) and 195 kW (265 hp). All five power plants are fueled via direct fuel injection; four of them use turbocharging. Available powertrains include a six-speed manual, the continuously variable multitronic and the new, lightning-fast seven-speed S tronic. In addition to front-wheel drive, Audi also offers quattro permanent all-wheel drive for the higher-power engines. The innovative sport differential, which variably distributes power between the rear wheels, is optionally available for even greater dynamics and driving pleasure.
