Audi

Audi AG (pronounced [ʔaʊ̯diː ʔaːgeː] is a German automobile manufacturer that designs, engineers, manufactures, markets and distributes luxury cars. Audi oversees worldwide operations from its headquarters in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. Audi-brand vehicles manufactured in nine facilities worldwide production.

Audi has become majority owned (99.55%) subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group since 1966, following the gradual purchase of Audi AG predecessor, Auto Union, from Daimler-Benz. Volkswagen relaunched the Audi brand with the 1965 introduction of the Audi F103 series.
The name of the company is based on the Latin translation of his surname founder, August Horch. "Horch", which means "listen" in Germany, became "Audi" in Latin. The four rings of the Audi logo each representing one of the four car companies that banded together to create the predecessor company Audi, Auto Union. Is the slogan Vorsprung durch Technik Audi, which means "Progress through Technology". However, since 2007 Audi USA has used the slogan "Truth Techniques". Audi is a member of the car "German Big 3" luxury, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which is a three-selling luxury car in the world. 

Audi History

The birth of the company and its name
Initially in 1885, the car company Wanderer established, then became a branch of Audi AG. Other company, NSU, which also later merged into the Audi, founded during this time, and then supplying chassis to Gottlieb Daimler's four-wheeler.

On November 14, 1899, the August Horch (1868-1951) established the company A. Horch & Cie. In the Ehrenfeld district of Cologne. Three years later in 1902 he moved with the company to Reichenbach im Vogtland. In May, 10 1904 he founded August Horch & Cie Motorwagenwerke AG, a joint stock company in. Zwickau (Saxony State).

After problems with financial director Horch August Horch left Motorwagenwerke and was founded in Zwickau on July 16, 1909, a second company, August Horch Automobilwerke GmbH. Former partner sued him for trademark infringement. Germany Reichsgericht (Supreme Court) in Leipzig, finally determined that the Horch brand belonged to the former company.

Audi Type E

Since August Horch prohibited from using "Horch" as a trade name in the new car business, he held a meeting with business friends close, Paul and Franz Fikentscher from Zwickau, Germany. In the apartment of Franz Fikentscher they discussed how to come up with a new name for the company. In this meeting, Franz son was quietly studying Latin in a corner of the room. Several times he looked like he was on the verge of saying something but would just swallow his words and continue working, until finally she exclaimed, "Father - audiatur et Altera pars ... would not it be a good idea to call it audi instead Horch?" "Horch ! " in German means "Hark!" or "listen", which is "Audi" in the imperative form a single "audire" - "to listen" - in Latin. The idea was enthusiastically received by all those present. On 25 April 1910 Audi Automobilwerke Zwickau GmbH (from 1915 on Audiwerke AG Zwickau) in the list of companies Zwickau registration court.

T

Audi 80 assembly line in Wolfsburg in 1973

In 1969, Auto Union merged with NSU, based in Neckarsulm, near Stuttgart. In 1950, NSU was the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world, but has moved on to produce small cars like the NSU Prinz, the TT and TTS versions are still popular as vintage race cars. NSU then focused on new rotary engines based on the ideas of Felix Wankel. In 1967, the new NSU Ro 80 was a car well ahead of its time in technical details such as aerodynamics, light weight, and safety. However, teething problems with the rotary engines put an end to the independence of NSU. The Neckarsulm plant is now used to produce the larger Audi models A6 and A8. The Neckarsulm factory is also home of the quattro GmbH, a subsidiary which is responsible for the development and production of high-performance models Audi: the R8 and the "RS" model range.



Midsize car that NSU had been working on, the K70, was intended to slot between the rear-engined Prinz models and the futuristic NSU Ro 80. However, Volkswagen took the K70 for its own range, spelling the end of NSU as a separate brand.

Audi Quattro

In 1986, as the Passat-based Audi 80 began to develop a kind of "grandfather's car" image, the type 89 was introduced. Completely new development sold extremely well. However, modern and dynamic exterior belied the low performance machine base, and the base package is quite simple (even the passenger-side mirror is optional.) In 1987, Audi put forward a new and very elegant Audi 90, which has a much superior set of standard features. In the early 1990s, sales began to slump for the Audi 80 series, and some basic construction problems started to surface.

In the early part of the 21st century, Audi set at the German racetrack to claim and maintain several world records, such as high speed endurance. This effort was in-line with the company's heritage from the 1930s racing era Silver Arrows.

Through the early 1990s, Audi began to shift the target market upscale to compete with the German automaker Mercedes-Benz and BMW. It started with the release of the Audi V8 in 1990. It was essentially a new engine fitted to the Audi 100/200, but with different bodywork visible. The most obvious is the new grille that is now incorporated in the bonnet.

In 1991, Audi has a four-cylinder Audi 80, the 5-cylinder Audi 90 and Audi 100, the turbocharged Audi 200 and the Audi V8. There is also a coupe version of the 80/90 with both engines 4 and 5-cylinder.

Although the five cylinder engine was a successful and robust powerplant, it was still a little too different for the target market. With the introduction of the all new Audi 100 in 1992, Audi introduced a 2.8L V6. This machine is also equipped with a face-lifted Audi 80 (all 80 and 90 models were now badged 80 except the United States), giving this model a choice of four, five, and six-cylinder engines, in the Saloon, Coupé and Cabriolet body styles.

Five cylinders soon dropped as a major engine choice; However, a turbocharged 230 hp (170 kW) version remained. Engine, originally installed on the 200 quattro 20V of 1991, is a derivative of the engine fitted to the Sport Quattro. It is equipped with the Audi Coupé, and named the S2 and also to the Audi 100 body, and named the S4. Both models are beginning to be mass produced S series of performance cars.

Audi 5000 unintended acceleration allegations

Sales in the US fell after a series of withdrawals 1982-1987 of Audi 5000 models associated with incidents reported unintended acceleration suddenly linked with six deaths and 700 accidents. At the time, NHTSA was investigating 50 car models from 20 manufacturers for sudden surges of electricity.

A 60-minute report aired 23 November 1986, featuring interviews with six people who sued Audi after reporting unintended acceleration, showing Audi 5000 as if suffering from a problem when the brake pedal is pushed. Subsequent investigation revealed 60 Minutes had engineered the failure -. compressed air tube fitting on the passenger side floor, linked via a hose into a hole drilled into the transmission

Audi 100 C3, sold as the Audi 5000 in the US

Audi believes, before the findings by outside investigators, that the problems caused by driver error, specifically pedal abuse. Furthermore, the Administration Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) concluded that most cases of unintended acceleration, including all those who requested the report 60 Minutes, which are caused by driver error such as confusion pedal. CBS did not recognize the results of a test of the government agencies involved, but did not recognize the same results from other studies.

In a study published in the 2012 review, NHTSA summarized the findings of the past on the subject of unwanted acceleration Audi: "After the unintended acceleration has started, in the Audi 5000, due to a failure in the system idle-stabilizer (generate initial acceleration of 0.3 g), pedal abuse as a result of panic, confusion or unfamiliarity with the Audi 5000 contributed to the severity of the incident. "

This summary is consistent with the conclusions of the technical analysis of the most NHTSA at the time: "idle-stabilization system Audi is vulnerable to defects that result in excessive idle speed and short unexpected acceleration up to 0.3g [similar magnitude to emergency stop in a train car underground]. This acceleration can not be the sole cause [(long) sudden acceleration incidents (SAI)], but may have triggered some surprising SAI by the driver. The system idle-stabilization disabilities do the type of electronic throttle controls several significant :. " , intermittent malfunctions of the electronic control unit is observed and recorded ... and [also observed and] reported by Transport Canada "

With the series of recall campaigns, Audi made several modifications; The first adjustable distance between the brake and the accelerator pedal on automatic transmission models. Later repairs, of 250,000 cars dating back to 1978, adding a device that requires the driver to press the brake pedal before shifting out of park. A legacy of the Audi 5000 and other reported cases of unintended acceleration suddenly intricate gear stick patterns and brake interlock mechanisms to prevent accidentally shifting into forward or reverse. It is not clear how the defect in the idle-stabilization system were addressed.

US sales of Audi, which has reached 74 061 in 1985, fell to 12 283 in 1991 and remained level for three years. -. the resale value falls dramatically Audi subsequently offered increased protection warranty and renamed the affected models - by 5000 to 100 and 200 in 1989 - and only reached the same sales level again with the 2000 model year.

A 2010 BusinessWeek article - outlining possible parallels between Audi's experience and 2009-2010 Toyota vehicle recalls - noted the class action lawsuit filed in 1987 by about 7,500 owners of 5000 models Audi remains unsettled and is currently being contested in court in Chicago after appeal Illinois state and US federal level.

Model introduction

Audi TT

In the mid-to-late 1990s, Audi introduced new technologies including the use of aluminum construction. Produced 1999-2005, the Audi A2 was a futuristic super mini born from the Al2 concept, with many features that help regain consumer confidence, such as aluminum space frame, which is the first in a production car design. In the A2 Audi further expanded their TDI technology through the use of frugal three-cylinder engine. A2 is very aerodynamic and was designed around a wind tunnel. Audi A2 was criticized because of the high price and was never really successful sales but it planted Audi as a cutting-edge manufacturer. The model, a Mercedes-Benz A-Class competitor, sold relatively well in Europe. However, the A2 was discontinued in 2005 and Audi decided not to develop a direct replacement.

The next major model change came in 1995 when the Audi A4 replaced the Audi 80. The new nomenclature scheme was applied to the Audi 100 to the Audi A6 (with a minor facelift). This also meant the S4 became the S6 and a new S4 was introduced in the A4 body. S2 is stopped. The Audi Cabriolet continued (based on the Audi 80 platform) until 1999, gaining the engine upgrades along the way. A new A3 hatchback model (sharing the Volkswagen Golf Mk4's platform) was introduced to the range in 1996, and the radical Audi TT coupe and roadster were debuted in 1998 based on the same foundation.

The engine is available in the entire range is now to 1.4 L, 1.6 L and 1.8 L four-cylinder, 1.8 L four-cylinder turbo, 2.6 L and 2.8 L V6, 2.2 L turbo-charged five-cylinder and 4.2 L V8 engine. The V6s were replaced by a new 2.4 L and 2.8 L 30V V6s in 1998, with a noticeable increase in the power, torque and smoothness. Further machines are added along the way, including a 3.7 L V8 and 6.0 L W12 engine for the A8.

Audi AG today

Audi Q7

Audi sales grew strongly in the 2000s, with deliveries to customers increased from 653,000 in 2000 to 1.003 million in 2008. The largest sales increases came from Eastern Europe (+ 19.3%), Africa (+ 17.2 %) and the Middle East (+ 58.5%). China in particular has become a major market, which represents 108,000 of the 705 000 cars delivered in the first three quarters of 2009. One of the factors for the popularity in China that Audi has become the car of choice for the purchase by the Chinese government for the officials, and the purchase by the government is responsible for 20% of sales in China. At the end of 2009, Audi's operating profit of € 1.17 billion ($ 1.85 billion) making it the biggest contributor to the nine months of parent Volkswagen Group's operating profit amounted to € 1.5 billion, while other marques such as Bentley and SEAT Group has suffered a loss which is quite large. [40] May 2011 saw record sales for Audi of America with the new Audi A7 and Audi A3 TDI Clean Diesel. [41] In May 2012, Audi reported a 10% increase in sales-from 408 units to 480 in the last year alone his.

Audi produces vehicles in seven factories around the world, some of which are shared with other marques VW Group despite numerous sub-assemblies such as engines and transmissions produced in the Volkswagen Group's other plants.

Audi's two main assembly plants are:

• Ingolstadt, opened by Auto Union in 1964, (A3, A4, A5, Q5)
• Neckarsulm, Retrieved from NSU in 1969 (A4, A6, A7, A8, R8 and all RS variants)
Outside Germany, the Audi produces vehicles in:
• Aurangabad, India since 2006
• Bratislava, Slovakia, along with Volkswagen, SEAT, Skoda and Porsche (Q7)
• Brussels, Belgium, was obtained from Volkswagen in 2007 (A1)
• Changchun, China since 1995
• Győr, Hungary, (TT and several variants A3)
• Jakarta, Indonesia since 2011
• Martorell, Spain together with SEAT and Volkswagen (Q3)

In September 2012, Audi announced the construction of its first manufacturing plant in North America in Puebla, Mexico. The plant is expected to be operating in 2016 and produce a second generation Q5.

From 2002 to 2003, Audi heads the Audi Brand Group, a division of Volkswagen Group's Automotive Division is comprised of Audi, Lamborghini and SEAT, which focuses on the values ​​of sportiness, with Marques product vehicles and performance being under the higher responsibility Audi brand.

In 2014, the majority of Audi dealerships in the UK falsely claimed that the Audi A7, A8, and R8 are secure Euro NCAP tested, all reached five out of five stars. There is not even tested.

Technology

Bodyshells

Audi produces 100% galvanized cars to prevent corrosion, and the first mass-market vehicle to do so, following the introduction of the process by Porsche, c. 1975. Along with other preventive measures, the whole body zinc coating has proved highly effective in preventing rust. Endurance, so even surpassed Audi's own expectations, causing the manufacturer to extend its original 10-year warranty against corrosion perforation to currently 12 years (except for aluminum bodies which do not rust).

Space frame

Audi R8 Audi Space Frame technology

Audi introduced a new series of vehicles in the mid-1990s and continues to pursue new technology and high performance. An all-aluminum car was brought forward by Audi, and in 1994 the Audi A8 was launched, which introduced aluminum space frame technology (called Audi Space Frame or ASF) which saves weight and increases stiffness torque compared with a conventional steel frame. Prior to that effort, Audi used examples of Type 44 chassis is made of aluminum as test-beds for the technique. The disadvantage of the aluminum frame which is very expensive to repair and require special aluminum bodyshop. Weight loss somewhat offset by the quattro four-wheel drive system is standard in most markets. However, the A8 is usually a mild all-wheel drive car in the full-size luxury segment, also has best-in-class fuel economy. The Audi A2, Audi TT and Audi R8 also use Audi Space Frame designs.

Audi A4

For most of the lineup (not including the A3, A1 and TT models), Audi has not adopted a transverse engine layout that is usually found in the car economy (such as Peugeot and Citroën), because it would limit the type and strength of machines that can be installed. To be able to mount a powerful engine (such as the V8 engine in the Audi S4 and the Audi RS4 and W12 engine in the Audi A8L W12), Audi has engineered usually more expensive car with front-mounted longitudinal engine, in "overhung" position, over the wheel in front of the front axle line. While this allows for easy adoption of all-wheel drive, it goes against the ideal 50:50 weight distribution.

In all his posts -era Volkswagen models, Audi has firmly refused to adopt the traditional rear-wheel drive layout favored by its two rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW, supports both front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The majority of Audi in the US lineup features all-wheel drive standard on most vehicles are expensive (only the entry-level trim of the A4 and A6 are available with front-wheel drive), in contrast to Mercedes-Benz and BMW all-wheel lineup treats drive as an option. BMW does not offer all-wheel drive V8-powered car of his (as opposed to a crossover SUV) through 2010 BMW 7 Series and 2011 BMW 5 Series, while the Audi A8 has all-wheel drive is available / standard since the 1990s. Regarding the high-performance variant, Audi S and RS models always have all-wheel drive, unlike their direct rivals from BMW M and Mercedes-AMG is the car that rear-wheel drive alone (even though their performance crossover SUV all-wheel drive).

Audi has recently implemented a quattro badge to models such as the A3 and TT which do not use the Torsen-based system as in previous years with a mechanical center differential, but with Haldex Traction AWD system is an electro-mechanical clutch.

Machine

Volkswagen Group W12 engine from Volkswagen Phaeton W12
In the 1980s, Audi, along with Volvo, was the champion of the inline-five-cylinder, 2.1 L / 2.2 machine as a durable alternative to the more traditional six-cylinder engine. This machine is used not only in production cars but also in their race cars. 2.1 L inline five-cylinder engine is used as a base for the rally cars in 1980, providing more than 400 horsepower (300 kilowatts) after modification. Before 1990, there were engines produced with a displacement between 2.0 L and 2.3 L. The wide range of engine capacity allowed for both fuel economy and electricity.

For the ultra-luxury version of its Audi A8 fullsize luxury sedan flagship, the Audi A8L W12, using Volkswagen Audi Group W12 engine instead of a conventional V12 engine favored by rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW.Konfigurasi W12 engine (also known as the "WR12") made by forming two imaginary narrow angle 15 ° VR6 engine at an angle of 72 °, and the narrow angle of each set of cylinders allows just two overhead camshafts to drive each pair of banks, so only four are needed in total. Advantages of the W12 engine is compact packaging, allowing Audi to build a 12-cylinder sedan with all-wheel drive, while the conventional V12 engine could only have rear-wheel drive configuration as it would not have space in the engine bay for differential and other components necessary for power the front wheels. In fact, W12 6.0 L The Audi A8L W12 is smaller in overall dimensions of 4.2 L V8 that powers the Audi A8 4.2 variants. The 2011 Audi A8 debuted a revised version of the 6.3-liter W12 (WR12) engine with 500 PS (370 kW; 490 hp).

Fuel Stratified Injection

New models of the A3, A4, A6 and A8 have been introduced, with the aging 1.8-liter engine now having been replaced by new Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) engines. Almost every oil burning models in the range now incorporates this fuel-saving technology.

FSI V8 engine

Direct-Shift Gearbox

At the turn of the century, Volkswagen introduced the Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG), a type of dual clutch transmission. This is an automatic semi-automatic transmission, drivable like a conventional automatic transmission. Based on the gearbox found in the Group B S1, the system includes dual electrohydraulically controlled clutches instead of a torque converter. It is applied in some VW Golfs, Audi A3, Audi A4 and TT models where DSG is called S-tronic.

LED daytime running lights

Started in 2005, Audi has implemented white LED technology as daytime running lights (DRL) in their products. Typical forms of DLR has become a trademark of sorts. LEDs were first introduced on the Audi A8 W12, the first production car in the world has LED DLR, [52] [53] [54] and has since spread across the model range. LEDs present on some Audi billboard.
Since 2010, Audi also offers LED technology in low and high beam lights.

The DRL in a Audi A4 B8

Multi Media Interface

Multi Media Interface-menu in the virtual cockpit of the Audi, Audi TT Mk3
Starting with the 2003 Audi A8, Audi has been using a centralized control interface for on-board infotainment system, called Multi Media Interface (MMI). It comes amid criticism of BMW iDrive control. It is essentially a rotating control knob and 'segment' buttons - designed to control all in-car entertainment devices (radio, CD changer, iPod, TV tuner), satellite navigation, heating and ventilation, and other car controls with a screen. MMI was widely reported considerable improvement on BMW's iDrive, although BMW has since made their iDrive more user-friendly.
Availability MMI gradually filtered down Audi lineup, and follow the A3 was introduced in the third generation in 2011, MMI is now available across the range. Has been generally well received, as it requires less menu-surfing with its segment buttons around the middle button, along with 'main function' direct access buttons - with shortcuts to the radio or phone functions. Color screen mounted on the upright dashboard, and on the A4 (new), A5, A6, A8, and Q7, the controls are mounted horizontally.

Synthetic Diesel

Audi has come out with technology to produce synthetic diesel from water and carbon dioxide
Model

Article Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Au