Audi has spared no effort in revising the A7 Sportback*. The spacious five-door coupe is now even more powerful and attractive – thanks to new engine configurations, new transmissions, new headlights, taillights and new infotainment systems. The new A7 Sportback combines the emotional appeal and sportiness of a coupe with the comfort of a sedan and the functional benefits of an Avant.

* The collective fuel consumption of all models named above and available on the German market can be found in the list provided at the end of this MediaInfo.

Back when the A7 Sportback first debuted in 2010, Audi was already setting new standards in automotive design, embracing an athletic aesthetic and elegance in grand style. Its long engine hood, sporty, flowing C-pillars and the sharply dropping rear end create a dynamic overall impression. The revised version of the five-door model, measuring 4.97 meters (16.3 ft) in length, now has additional striking, sporty features.

The most striking changes are to the Singleframe grille, bumpers, tailpipes and headlights. LED technology is now standard; upon request, Audi can supply Matrix LED headlights, which light the road optimally without causing glare for other road users. Combined with the Matrix LED headlights, dynamic turn signals are also installed at the front; they come standard at the rear.

The body of the new Audi A7 Sportback consists primarily of aluminum and high-tech steel grades. It is extraordinarily lightweight and designed for maximum comfort in terms of noise. The cargo space under the long, electrically driven trunk lid has a base capacity of 535 liters (18.9 cu ft). When the rear seat backs are folded down it grows to 1,390 liters (49.1 cu ft).

The sporty style of the exterior is echoed in the car’s interior. The dominant element is the horizontal line surrounding the driver and passenger. The dashboard gives an impression of lightness and elegance. The new interior materials, including the aluminum/Beaufort walnut inlay and Valcona leather, are impressive for their finish. The color palette has been redesigned, offering five color options even for the seats.

The new Audi A7 Sportback is confident and relaxed to drive. The front seats can be optionally equipped with ventilation and massage functions, and there are four seat versions to choose from. The MMI radio operating system comes standard; it can be supplemented as an option with a head-up display that projects all important information onto the windshield.

Power and efficiency: two TFSI and three TDI engines

To start out, Audi is offering the new A7 Sportback with a choice of five powerful and highly efficient engines: two gasoline and three diesel units. Their power rating ranges from 160 kW (218 hp) to 245 kW (333 hp), and all of them comply with the Euro 6 emission standard. Many aspects of the 3.0 TDI clean diesel with 200 kW (272 hp) have been newly developed. In the “ultra” version with 160 kW (218 hp) and front-wheel drive, the three-liter V6 uses an average of just 4.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (50.0 US mpg), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 122 grams per kilometer (196.3 g/mi). The top-of-the-range engine, the 4.0 TFSI, is available in the Audi S7 Sportback. It delivers 331 kW (450 hp) of power and uses innovative COD (cylinder on demand) technology.

The 3.0 TDI biturbo clean diesel, which delivers 235 kW (320 hp), works with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission; all other engine configurations have a seven-speed S tronic transmission. In the versions with front-wheel drive, the dual-clutch transmission has been fully redeveloped, replacing the multitronic. In engine configurations starting at 200 kW (272 hp), quattro permanent all-wheel drive can be supplemented with the sport differential, which actively distributes power between the rear wheels.

The chassis, too, combines sporty precision with high comfort. The new Audi A7 Sportback features wheels with diameters ranging from 17 to 21 inches. Some engine configurations are equipped with new lightweight brakes. The power steering system features an electromechanical drive for high efficiency.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard. Options include dynamic steering, two sport suspension versions and adaptive air suspension; on the S7 Sportback, the air suspension has a firmer setup.

The new Audi A7 Sportback leads the competition in terms of infotainment. The top system, MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, utilizes the latest generation of the modular infotainment system; its highlight is a powerful graphics processor from Audi’s partner Nvidia. Touchpad control lets the driver scroll and zoom in lists and maps.

The perfect supplement to MMI Navigation plus is Audi connect, which links the five-door coupe with the Internet via the LTE high-speed data transmission standard. The Audi phone box connects the driver’s cell phone to the car antenna for improved reception. The top of the hi-fi line is the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.

The assistance systems – including adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, the further improved night vision assistant and the Audi pre sense safety system – are also state of the art. Audi side assist and Audi active lane assist work closely together to make lane changes even safer.
The new Audi A7 Sportback will begin arriving at dealerships in late summer 2014. Its base price in Germany will be €51,300. The Audi S7 Sportback is available starting at €82,300.

Fuel consumption of the models named above:

Audi A7 Sportback:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.6 – 4.7 (30.9 – 50.0 US mpg)
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 176 – 122 (283.2 – 196.3 g/mi)

Audi S7 Sportback:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 9.3 (25.3 US mpg)
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 215 (346.0 g/mi)

Audi has developed the world’s sportiest piloted driving car. At the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) season finale, the Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept car will demonstrate its dynamic potential and driving capabilities for the first time on the Hockenheimring – at racing speed, without a driver.

“We are pressing forward with one of the most important trends in the automotive world with our technical solutions for piloted driving,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG. “The utter fascination of this development will be put on display at the DTM race in Hockenheim. A lap time of just over two minutes and lateral acceleration of up to 1.1 g speak for themselves.”

Audi has long been a driving force in the area of highly automated driving. The brand’s development efforts have produced a number of spectacular feats. In 2010, for instance, a driverless Audi TTS* conquered the legendary Pikes Peak mountain race circuit in Colorado, USA. Audi has time and again showcased the potential of the technology with demonstrations at the limit. With 560 hp and a top speed of 305 km/h (189.5 mph), the Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept car exemplifies Vorsprung durch Technik.

The Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept car on the race track

The Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept car is a technology platform with which Audi is exploring the possibilities of piloted driving at its most dynamic. On Friday, October 17 and Sunday, October 19 – prior to the start of the last DTM race – the concept car will complete one lap on the Hockenheim ring without a driver. The large, five-door coupe is largely identical to the production model, but its electromechanical power steering, the brakes, the throttle valve and the eight-speed tiptronic that distributes the power to the mechanical quattro drive system are controlled automatically.

There are two primary technological considerations during piloted driving at the physical limit: the highly precise orientation of the vehicle on the road and absolute control of the vehicle at the handling limits.

The technology platform uses specially corrected GPS signals for orientation on the track. Accurate down to a centimeter, these differential GPS data are transmitted to the vehicle via WLAN according to the automotive standard and redundantly via high-frequency radio. Parallel to this, 3D camera images are compared in real time against graphical information stored on board. The system searches in each of the countless individual images for several hundred known features, such as building patterns behind the track, which it then uses as additional positioning information.

Control of the vehicle at the handling limits is another outstanding feature of the Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept car. Comprehensive on-board networking coupled with the highly precise control of all actors relevant to driving enable the technology platform to drive at the physical limits. The Audi engineers intensively investigated piloted driving at the handling limits, putting the technology platform through several thousand test kilometers on a variety of routes.

To demonstrate its capabilities, the Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept car will drive a clean racing line at the Hockenheimring – with full throttle on the straights, full braking before the corners, precise turn-in and perfectly metered acceleration when exiting the corners. Forces of over 1.3 g occur during braking, and lateral acceleration in the corners can reach 1.1 g. Tests on the track in Hockenheim suggested an expected top speed of 240 km/h (149.1 mph) and a lap time of 2 minutes and 10 seconds.

The race track is also the most demanding test bed for production when it comes to piloted driving. The future systems must also work extremely precisely and with zero errors in critical situations. They therefore must be capable of properly assessing the current situation even at the physical limit. This test bed provides the Audi engineers with a variety of insights for production development, such as for the development of automatic avoidance functions in critical driving situations.

Piloted driving – highlights

Audi has been working intensively on the subject of “piloted driving” for many years now. The development efforts have produced numerous spectacular driving feats – on public roads, on the race track and even on a salt bed.

2009: Bonneville Salt Flats

In fall 2009, Audi took to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, with a driverless Audi TTS. Driving in precise curves, the white coupe carved the brand’s four rings into the salt bed. It also set a new speed record for piloted driving cars of 130 mph (approx. 210 km/h).

As homage to former Audi rally driver Michčle Mouton, the technology platform was dubbed “Shelley.” Its specific data technology was developed jointly by Audi, Volkswagen and the Center for Automotive Research at Stanford University in California.

2010: Pikes Peak

The next year, the piloted driving “Shelley” conquered the legendary Pikes Peak mountain race circuit in Colorado, USA. The technology platform covered the 20 kilometer (12.4 mi) course with a total of 156 corners in roughly 27 minutes, reaching a top speed of 45 mph (72 km/h). Navigation was already via differential GPS and accurate to just a few centimeters.

2012: Thunderhill Race Track

In 2012, Audi garnered its initial experience with the Audi TTS on a race track – the Thunderhill Race Track north of Sacramento, California. The lap time on the roughly three-mile (nearly five kilometers) course was under 2 minutes and 30 seconds. The tests were focused on how a piloted driving car behaves at high loads and under extreme conditions.

2013: Las Vegas

The authorities in the US state of Nevada made the Audi the world’s first automobile maker to receive a permit to operate piloted driving cars in public traffic. In January 2013 and 2014, the brand presented new systems for piloted driving in traffic jams and for piloted parking at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. International trade journalists were on board both times.

2014: Florida and California

Audi is rapidly expanding its testing competence for piloted driving in the USA. This summer, the brand was once again the world’s first automobile maker to conduct a public test on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway outside Tampa, Florida. The company this fall received the first test license under the new regulations in California, where test drives on the freeways are now generally permitted.

Piloted driving – future production technology

The production technologies for piloted driving currently under development at Audi will make their way into cars before the end of this decade. The new systems will then take over the driving in certain situations, such as in traffic jams or when parking, making it even more convenient and safe.

Piloted driving in traffic jams

In the future, the “traffic jam pilot” will help Audi drivers by taking over the steering at speeds between 0 and 60 km/h (37.3 mph) in addition to accelerating and braking automatically.

To do this, the new system assesses the status of the car as well as the entire surroundings. If the customer activates the system, the car completely takes over longitudinal and lateral guidance when it detects a traffic jam on a highway at speeds between 0 and 60 km/h (37.3 mph).

When the traffic jam pilot reaches its limits, such as when the traffic jam dissolves or the end of a divided road is reached, it prompts the driver to take over the wheel again.

A key component of the system of sensors is the radar system. As with today’s adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, it monitors a 35-degree field in front of the car at a range of up to 250 meters (820.2 ft). A video camera with a wide angle of aperture detects the lane markings as well as pedestrians and objects, such as other vehicles and guard rails. Up to twelve ultrasonic sensors are used to monitor the immediate space around the car.

A new member of the sensor portfolio is the laser scanner, which delivers highly precise data at a distance of up to 80 meters (262.5 ft). Its laser diode emits nearly 100,000 infrared light pulses per second that are invisible to the human eye. The laser scanner covers a 145-degree field on six levels. The controller computes a surroundings profile from the light reflections that shows both other vehicles and guard rails.

The laser scanner offers key advantages. Because of its wide angle of aperture, it detects cars entering the lane very early and also remains fully functional in the dark. It can detect all types of objects, including those with a homogeneous pattern, such as fences, or with no visible structure, such as white walls.

Piloted driving for parking maneuvers

Parking maneuvers in tight situations are unpleasant – narrow parking spaces or garages make it difficult for the driver to get in and out of the car. With the “parking pilot” system from Audi, drivers can get out and control the car remotely using the remote key fob or a smartphone. This system uses the same sensor systems as the traffic jam pilot, but also uses its four 360° cameras to generate additional key information about its surroundings.

The parking pilot offers the piloted parking function to the driver when the environmental sensors detect a suitable parking space or garage. If the driver gets out of the car, he or she needs only to press the key fob or the corresponding button on their smartphone to initiate the process.

The system checks to make sure that the key is in the vicinity of the car. If the on-board sensors detect obstacles in the driving corridor during piloted parking, the car stops immediately. When the car arrives at its parking position, the system turns off the engine and locks the doors. The driver receives a confirmation message. The push of a button is likewise all that is required to retrieve the car from the garage or parking space.

The central driver assistance control unit (zFAS)

Today’s driver assistance systems are usually managed by spatially separated control units. Audi, in contrast, is taking the novel approach of a central domain architecture. In the future, all available sensor information will flow into a central control unit (zFAS). This computes a complete model of the vehicle surroundings that is used by all of the assistance systems. The future systems for piloted driving will also draw on this redundantly computed information.

The central driver assistance control board uses cutting-edge multi-core processors. All together, they have the computing power of the entire electronics architecture of today’s Audi A4*. The new board currently has about the same area as a tablet PC, but its space requirements will continue to shrink. Its modular concept ensures high scalability and future viability. Audi will be introducing the central driver assistance control module to production along with the systems for piloted driving by the end of this decade.

Relaxed and under control– today’s driver assistance systems

Audi already offers numerous driver assistance systems to make driving more relaxed and under control. No need is left uncovered, and the full capabilities of these systems are on display in the updated Audi A6* and Audi A7 Sportback* model series.

Adaptive cruise control with stop & go function

Of all the optional driver assistance systems offered by Audi, adaptive cruise control with stop & go function including Audi pre sense front is the most complex. It regulates the speed and the distance to the vehicle ahead by accelerating and braking in a range from 0 to 250 km/h (155.3 mph), and brakes automatically within certain limits. The driver can use Audi drive select to switch between four settings to specify just how comfortable or sporty the system should be.

The ACC stop & go function uses data from two radar sensors, a video camera, ultrasound sensors and additional systems. In addition, it uses predictive route data from the navigation system to reliably calculate the proper line on the highway, even in curves. In city traffic, the ACC stop & go automatically slows the car to a stop.

Audi side assist including Audi pre sense rear is activated at 30 km/h (18.6 mph). Two radar sensors at the rear of the car monitor what goes on behind it. If the system detects another vehicle moving into the critical zone from behind, a yellow LED display lights up in the housing of the exterior mirror. If the driver nevertheless activates the turn signal to change lanes, the indicator becomes brighter and begins to flash quickly – a signal that is hard to miss.

Audi active lane assist

Audi active lane assist employs a video camera to detect lane markings at speeds above 65 km/h (40.4 mph). If the car approaches a line without the turn signal being activated, the system helps the driver to steer back into the lane by intervening gently in the electromechanical power steering. Drivers use the MMI to specify how quickly this assistance system should intervene and whether the steering wheel should vibrate as well. If the driver selects early intervention, the system also helps to keep the car in the center of the lane.

In the new Audi A6 and A7 Sportback models, Audi active lane assist works closely together with Audi side assist. If both are activated, the warning before a critical lane change is accompanied by targeted intervention in the steering.

Camera-based speed limit display

The camera-based speed limit display recognizes speed limit signs on the side of the road, their supplemental signs and the signs canceling speed limits. It presents these as graphics on the display of the driver information system or on the optional head-up display. Software compares images supplied by the video camera with map data from the optional MMI navigation plus.

Night vision assistant

Another high-end feature is the night vision assistant. Its thermal imaging camera uses far infrared technology to “see” up to 300 meters (984.3 ft) ahead. Data is converted into black-and-white images that are displayed on the large driver information system screen. People and animals appear conspicuously bright on the screen due to the heat they give off, whereas the surroundings appear dark. The software can detect people and large animals and highlights them in the display in yellow.

If the computer anticipates a hazardous situation, the brake system is automatically prefilled. A warning signal sounds and a red warning also appears on the driver information system’s screen and in the optional head-up display. If the car is equipped with the high-beam assistant or Matrix LED headlights, persons detected outside of town limits are illuminated with three short flashes of light.

Park assist with 360° display

Audi offers various options that make parking easy. The park assist system with 360° display uses ultrasonic sensors to locate and measure parking spaces along the side of the road at low vehicle speeds. If a sufficiently large space is found, the system takes over parallel parking at the push of a button. The driver has to apply the gas and brake.

The park assist system can maneuver the car into a space either parallel or perpendicular to the road. In addition, a 360° display warns of obstacles to the sides. Front-mounted and reversing cameras are also available.

Audi pre sense

The Audi pre sense safety system is available in a number of different versions. In the standard version – Audi pre sense basic – the system intervenes immediately upon detecting an unstable driving situation via the ESC sensors. The front seat belts are electrically tensioned and the sunroof and the side windows are closed, leaving just a small gap. The vehicle’s hazard warning lights will warn the traffic behind.

The Audi pre sense front version is available in combination with ACC stop & go. This system is intended to prevent rear-end collisions – or at least reduce the consequences of such accidents. The integrated Audi braking guard is activated in a dangerous situation to warn the driver, first with an acoustic signal and a visual signal. At the same time, the brake system is prefilled and the dampers of the optional adaptive air suspension are also set to hard.

If the driver still does not react, then the system briefly brakes the vehicle – a jolt which serves as the second warning; the belts are slightly pretensioned. If the driver depresses the brake pedal now, the hydraulic brake assist increases braking power as appropriate for the situation. Should the driver ignore the warning jolt, autonomous partial braking will be initiated – provided that the vehicle ahead is in motion Deceleration is at a rate of 3.5 m/s2. The windows and sunroof will be closed, seat belts tensioned considerably, and hazard warning lights activated.

If the car is equipped with the full version of Audi pre sense – Audi pre sense plus – a third and a fourth stage follow in the event of an emergency. The system will then increase deceleration initially to 6 m/s˛ and tighten the belts completely. The last braking phase – the autonomous full brake application – occurs roughly half a second before an inevitable collision. The consequences of such a collision can thus be greatly reduced.

At speeds below 30 km/h (18.6 mph), the car will brake autonomously with full force in an emergency – regardless of whether the car in front is moving or standing still. Below 20 km/h (12.4 mph), this full braking frequently prevents the accident altogether or greatly reduces the impact speed.

Immediately after a collision, the secondary collision brake assist helps the driver by initiating braking automatically. This reduces the risk of skidding and additional collisions during the course of the accident.

Yet another Audi pre sense subfunction, Audi pre sense rear, is coupled with Audi side assist. If the system detects an imminent rear-end collision, it uses the adaptive brake light to warn the traffic behind.

*Fuel consumption of the models named above:

Audi TTS:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.5 – 6.9** (31.4 – 34.1 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 174 – 159** (280.0 – 255.9 g/mi)

Audi A4:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 10.7 – 4.0** (22.0 – 58.8 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 249 – 104** (400.7 – 167.4 g/mi)

Audi A6:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 9.6 – 4.2** (24.5 – 56.0 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 224 – 109** (360.5 – 175.4 g/mi)

Audi A7 Sportback:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 9.5 – 4.7** (24.8 – 50.0 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 221 – 122** (355.7 – 196.3 g/mi)

**The fuel consumption and the CO2 emissions of a vehicle vary due to the choice of wheels and tires. They not only depend on the efficient utilization of the fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.

It covers over 500 kilometers (310.7 mi) on one tank of fuel – and its exhaust emits nothing more than a few drops of water: The A7 Sportback h tron quattro uses a powerful, sporty electric drive with a fuel cell as its energy source, in combination with a hybrid battery and an additional electric motor in the rear. Its drive configuration makes the emission-free Audi A7 Sportback h-tron quattro a quattro through and through, with 170 kilowatts of power at its disposal – a new departure in fuel cell cars. There is no mechanical connection between the front and rear axles. As an e quattro, the A7 Sportback h-tron quattro features fully electronic management of torque distribution.

To coincide with the Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Audi is inviting international motoring journalists to drive their first few test kilometers on public roads with the technology demonstrator.

“The A7 Sportback h-tron quattro is a genuine Audi – at once sporty and efficient. Conceived as an e-quattro, its two electric motors drive all four wheels,” explained Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Audi. “The h-tron concept car shows that we have also mastered fuel cell technology. We are in a position to launch the production process as soon as the market and infrastructure are ready.”

In the fuel cell mode, the A7 Sportback h-tron quattro needs only about one kilogram (2.2 lb) of hydrogen to cover 100 kilometers (62.1 mi) – its energy content is equivalent to that of 3.7 liters (1.0 US gal) of gasoline. The tank capacity means it is capable of a range of more than 500 kilometers (310.7 mi).

Like a car with combustion engine, refueling takes no more than around three minutes. The range is boosted by up to 50 kilometers (31.1 mi) by a battery with a capacity of 8.8 kilowatt-hours, which is recharged by recuperation or alternatively from a power socket. As a plug-in hybrid, the A7 Sportback h-tron quattro will thus have crucial extra range in reserve.

The Audi A7 Sportback h-tron quattro

It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mi) in 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 180 km/h (111.8 mph). It covers over 500 kilometers (310.7 mi) on one tank of fuel – and its exhaust emits nothing more than a few drops of water: The A7 Sportback h-tron quattro, which Audi is unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, uses a powerful, sporty electric drive with a fuel cell as its energy source that operates in combination with a hybrid battery and an additional electric motor in the rear. The overall electrical system power of 170 kW is transferred to both the front and the rear wheels. This drive configuration makes the emission-free Audi A7 Sportback* a quattro through and through – a new departure in fuel cell cars.

“The A7 Sportback h-tron quattro is a genuine Audi – at once sporty and efficient. Conceived as an e-quattro, its two electric motors drive all four wheels,” explained Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Audi. “The h-tron concept car shows that we have mastered fuel cell technology. We are in a position to launch the production process as soon as the market and infrastructure are ready.”

The “h” in the name h-tron denotes the chemical element hydrogen. In visual terms the technology demonstrators that Audi has brought along to the Los Angeles Auto Show basically resemble the production models. As the label with the h-tron signet reveals, this concept car now takes its place alongside the other Audi models with alternative drive principles, the e-tron and g-tron. Externally, there is no other evidence of the fuel cell that converts hydrogen into electrical power on board the vehicle.

The fuel cell

The crucial differences are beneath the hood of the A7 Sportback: The fuel cell in the Audi technology demonstrator is installed at the front, mirroring the conventional A7 Sportback with combustion engine. Because the exhaust system only has to handle water vapor, it is made of weight-saving plastic.

The fuel cell itself comprises over 300 individual cells that together form a stack. The core of each of these individual cells is a polymer membrane. There is a platinum-based catalyst on both sides of the membrane.

This is how the fuel cell works: Hydrogen is supplied to the anode, where it is broken down into protons and electrons. The protons migrate through the membrane to the cathode, where they react with the oxygen present in air to form water vapor. Meanwhile, outside the stack the electrons supply the electrical power – depending on load point, the individual cell voltage is 0.6 to 0.8 volts.

The entire fuel cell operates in the voltage range of 230 to 360 volts. The main auxiliary assemblies include

a turbocharger that forces the air into the cells,
the so-called recirculation fan – it returns unused hydrogen to the anode, thus increasing efficiency, and
a coolant pump.
These components have a high-voltage electric drive and are powered by the fuel cell.

There is a separate cooling circuit for the essential cooling of the fuel cell. A heat exchanger and a thermoelectric, self-regulating auxiliary heating element maintain pleasant temperatures in the cabin.

The fuel cell, which operates across a temperature range of 80 degrees Celsius, places higher demands on the vehicle cooling than an equivalent combustion engine but achieves superior efficiency of as high as 60 percent – almost double that of a conventional combustion engine. Its cold-starting performance is guaranteed down to -28 degrees Celsius.

Plug-in hybrid

A special feature of the A7 Sportback h-tron quattro is its plug-in hybrid concept – this represents a logical evolution from the Audi A2 H2 and Q5 HFC test cars. It has a lithium-ion battery on board that can be recharged from the power socket by lead; with an 8.8 kWh energy capacity, it has been adopted from the A3 Sportback e-tron*. It is located beneath the trunk and has a separate cooling circuit for thermal management.

This high-performance battery makes the ideal partner to the fuel cell. It can store energy recovered from brake applications and supply considerable power for full-load boosting. This paves the way for impressive acceleration, making the A7 Sportback h-tron quattro truly live up to quattro standards. Both the front and rear axles have no mechanical connections for the transmission of power. In the event of slip, the torque for both driven axles can be controlled electronically and adjusted continuously.

On battery power, the Audi A7 Sportback h-tron quattro covers as much as 50 kilometers (31.1 mi). The battery in the rear of the plug-in hybrid can be recharged by lead. Depending on the voltage and current rating, a full recharge takes between two hours (industrial power socket/360 volts) and four hours (domestic power socket at 230 volts).

The battery operates at a different voltage level to the fuel cell. For that reason, there is a DC converter (DC/AC) between the two components. This tri-port converter is located behind the stack. In many operating statuses it equalizes the voltage, enabling the electric motors to operate at their maximum efficiency of 95 percent.

The power electronics in the front and rear of the vehicle convert the direct current from the fuel cell and battery into alternating current for the electric motors to drive the front and rear axles separately.

The two electric motors, which are cooled by a low-temperature circuit together with the voltage converters, are permanently excited synchronous machines. Each of them has an output of 85 kW, or even 114 kW if the voltage is temporarily raised. The peak torque is 270 Newtonmeters (199.1 lb-ft) per electric motor.

The electric motors’ housings incorporate planetary gear trains with a single transmission ratio of 7.6:1. A mechanical parking lock and a differential function round off the system.

The appeal of e-quattro

Driving in the Audi A7 Sportback h-tron quattro offers the full appeal of electric drive in conjunction with the new e-quattro. The silent propulsion is fully available from the off, and the fuel cell reaches its maximum output within one second at full load – a more dynamic response than a combustion engine because the entire drive system involves only a few mechanical components.

With 540 Nm (398.3 lb-ft) of propulsive power at its disposal the Audi A7 Sportback h-tron quattro, which tips the scales at only around 1,950 kilograms (4,299.0 lb), races from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 7.9 seconds. Its top speed is 180 km/h (111.8 mph) – a top figure for its field of competitors. The e-quattro concept requires precise coordination of the electric motors – the technology demonstrator offers a sporty, stable and high-traction drive that is comparable to a production car with mechanical quattro drive.

A power meter – in the place of the revolution counter in the instrument cluster – informs the driver of the momentary power flow. The outer sections show the fuel level in the hydrogen tank and the level of battery charge. Graphics on the MMI monitor visualize the energy flow. When the driver presses the EV button, the technology demonstrator drives solely on battery power.

Switching from automatic transmission mode D to S increases the level of energy recovery when braking, so that the battery is charged up effectively during sporty driving. Brake applications, too, are almost always accomplished fully electrically: The electric motors then act as alternators and convert the car’s kinetic energy into electrical energy that is stored in the battery. The four disk brakes only become involved if more forceful or emergency braking is required.

The tank flap is in the right side section of the five-door coupé, concealing a filler connector for the hydrogen. Fully refueling with H2 takes around three minutes, roughly as the same as a conventional automobile. The tanks communicate with the refueling system by infrared interface and equalize the pressure and temperature levels.

Zero emissions

The four hydrogen tanks of the Audi A7 Sportback h-tron quattro are located beneath the base of the trunk, in front of the rear axle, in the center tunnel. An outer skin made from carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) encases the inner aluminum shell. The tanks can store around five kilograms of hydrogen at a pressure of 700 bar – enough to drive over 500 kilometers (310.7 mi). According to the NEDC cycle, fuel consumption is roughly one kilogram (2.2 lb) of hydrogen per 100 kilometers (62.1 mi) – an amount with an energy content equivalent to 3.7 liters (1.0 US gal) of gasoline.

It is already the case that the A7 Sportback h-tron quattro always travels with zero local emissions. By using the renewable fuel hydrogen, it can also be used globally as a zero emissions vehicle: Since 2013 Audi has been operating a pilot plant in which renewable wind power is used to produce hydrogen by electrolysis. At present, this hydrogen is still used in an additional production process to obtain synthetic methane (Audi e-gas). A future move to feed this hydrogen into a hydrogen supply and filling station network would make it available for refueling fuel-cell vehicles. This is a sound option for sustainable mobility with no emissions.

Fuel consumption of the models named above:

Audi A7 Sportback:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 9.5 – 4.7 (24.8 – 50.0 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 221 – 122 (355.7 – 196.3 g/mi)**

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron:
Fuel consumption according to ECE standard in l/100 km: 1.7 – 1.5 (138.4 – 156.8 US mpg)**;
Combined electrical consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi): 12.4 – 11.4**
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 39 – 35 (62.8 – 56.3 g/mi)**

**The fuel consumption and the CO2 emissions of a vehicle vary due to the choice of wheels and tires. They not only depend on the efficient utilization of the fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.

The new Audi RS 6 Avant performance and the new Audi RS 7 Sportback performance offer more power output than ever before. The 4.0 TFSI now produces 445 kW (605 hp) and maximum torque of 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft). A particular highlight of the engine is an overboost function allowing the driver to temporarily draw on up to 750 Nm (553.2 lb-ft). The two RS high-performance models sprint like supercars from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in just 3.7 seconds, an improvement of 0.2 seconds over the respective base RS model. They need just 12.1 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 200 km/h (124.3 mph), 1.4 seconds less than the base RS models. With the optional dynamic package, top speed can be increased from 250 to 280 and 305 km/h (155 to 174 and 189.5 mph), respectively. Despite the output boost of 33 kW (45 hp), the sonorous V8 biturbo power unit consumes just 9.6 and 9.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (24.5 and 24.8 US mpg), respectively, corresponding to 223 and 221 g CO2(358.9 and 355.7 g/mi).

The standard eight-speed tiptronic has been designed for extreme sportiness in both the new RS 6 Avant performance and the new RS 7 Sportback performance. The driver can choose between the modes D and S or change gears manually either by tapping the selector lever or by using the shift paddles on the RS multifunction sport leather steering wheel. In manual mode, a shift indicator in the driver information system or optional head-up display indicates the rev limit.

With its dynamic setup, the standard RS adaptive air suspension lowers the body of the RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance by 20 millimeters (0.8 in). The integrated damping control varies as a function of the road conditions, driving style and the mode chosen in Audi drive select. Audi offers the tauter RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) as an alternative. An additional option is dynamic steering with a continuously variable steering ratio.

Striking design details reinforce the preeminent position of the two new RS performance models. These include the sportily designed bumpers with large air inlets up front and the heavily profiled diffuser insert at the rear, the gloss black honeycomb grille typical of the RS models and the flared side sills. The RS performance-specific exterior is distinguished by a quattro logo on the air inlet duct and add-on parts in matt titanium look. Audi offers the new exclusive paint finish Ascari blue, metallic as an option.

The driver can adjust the function of key components using Audi drive select, including the steering, engine and sound management, the tiptronic and the optional sport differential. New in the performance models: Similar to the new Audi R8 high-performance sports car, the driver can switch between the modes auto, comfort, dynamic and individual without taking his or her eyes off the road using a special button on the RS multifunction sport leather steering wheel.

The new Audi RS 7 Sportback performance 121,700 euros.

Audi RS 7 Sportback performance:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 9.5 (24.8 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 221 (355.7 g/mi)