Audi: A9 News
09-19-2014 | 10:59 AM
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Three Wheelin'
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Audi: A9 News
Autocar
Audi is set to showcase an advanced four-door concept that reveals the new design language to be adopted by all of its future models.
The concept will be unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show in November and will also preview a new aluminium-intensive flagship.
The as yet unnamed concept is currently under construction at Audi’s prototype workshop in Ingolstadt. It is claimed to reveal the direction in style that Audi models – from the entry-level A1 through to next year’s successor to the Q7 – will take under the company’s new design boss, Marc Lichte.
The concept also provides the first tacit clues to the size, shape, appearance, packaging and features of the long-mooted A9 – a high-tech range-topping model scheduled for launch in 2017.
Planned to sit at the very top of the Audi range, the A9 has been conceived to rival the recent wave of design-led luxury saloons, including the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide and he high-end versions of the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
The A9 is based on the latest evolution of Audi’s MLB platform. It shares its mechanical and electrical package with the upcoming fifth-generation A8, alongside which the A9 is due to be produced at Audi’s Neckarsulm factory.
As with its established four-door sibling, the new flagship saloon-cum-coupé adopts Audi’s latest aluminium spaceframe construction and other weight-reducing initiatives, including the use of carbonfibre in non-load-bearing elements.
The aim is to bring the A9 into production with a kerb weight comparable with that of the smaller, four-year-old A7, which tips the scales at 1660kg in base front-wheel-drive 2.8 V6 guise.
Secrecy surrounds the powertrain that Audi intends to showcase on its latest concept in Los Angeles. However, Audi sources confirm that it will be relevant to the production version of the A9, which has been engineered to support front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, in line with the new A8.
Among the engines planned for the big four-door are a new twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 and a revised version of Audi’s existing twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8. A performance-orientated S9 model is expected to use the twin-turbo V8 and have as much as 600bhp.
The petrol engines will be joined by the latest evolution of Audi’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel, in single and electrically operated twin-turbo guises. There will also be a new 4.0-litre V8 diesel, which is currently undergoing development at parent firm Volkswagen’s R&D centre in Braunschweig, Germany.
Two plug-in hybrid options are also planned for a pair of A9 e-tron models. Set to be unveiled at the Detroit motor show in January, the petrol-electric and diesel-electric combinations will first be introduced to the new, second-generation Q7, due for launch next year.
They are set to provide the A9 e-tron with a zero-emissions electric range of up to 31 miles and a CO2 output of less than 80g/km.
An Autocar source privy to a series of design proposals for the A9, which stretches to more than five metres in length, says it features a highly technical look, with a newly interpreted single-frame grille, laser headlights, precise detailing within its aluminium body structure and a newly defined shutline architecture.
Our source said: “It builds on the design in place today but takes it to a whole new level. The design department is working very closely with the production department to give future Audi models a more technical look, with added accuracy in terms of build.”
As well as previewing the exterior design of future Audis, the Los Angeles concept will showcase new interior developments, including the future direction of Audi’s new digital instrument cluster, as found in the latest TT, and new connectivity options to be made available on the new A8 and its A9 sibling.
Audi is set to showcase an advanced four-door concept that reveals the new design language to be adopted by all of its future models.
The concept will be unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show in November and will also preview a new aluminium-intensive flagship.
The as yet unnamed concept is currently under construction at Audi’s prototype workshop in Ingolstadt. It is claimed to reveal the direction in style that Audi models – from the entry-level A1 through to next year’s successor to the Q7 – will take under the company’s new design boss, Marc Lichte.
The concept also provides the first tacit clues to the size, shape, appearance, packaging and features of the long-mooted A9 – a high-tech range-topping model scheduled for launch in 2017.
Planned to sit at the very top of the Audi range, the A9 has been conceived to rival the recent wave of design-led luxury saloons, including the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide and he high-end versions of the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
The A9 is based on the latest evolution of Audi’s MLB platform. It shares its mechanical and electrical package with the upcoming fifth-generation A8, alongside which the A9 is due to be produced at Audi’s Neckarsulm factory.
As with its established four-door sibling, the new flagship saloon-cum-coupé adopts Audi’s latest aluminium spaceframe construction and other weight-reducing initiatives, including the use of carbonfibre in non-load-bearing elements.
The aim is to bring the A9 into production with a kerb weight comparable with that of the smaller, four-year-old A7, which tips the scales at 1660kg in base front-wheel-drive 2.8 V6 guise.
Secrecy surrounds the powertrain that Audi intends to showcase on its latest concept in Los Angeles. However, Audi sources confirm that it will be relevant to the production version of the A9, which has been engineered to support front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, in line with the new A8.
Among the engines planned for the big four-door are a new twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 and a revised version of Audi’s existing twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8. A performance-orientated S9 model is expected to use the twin-turbo V8 and have as much as 600bhp.
The petrol engines will be joined by the latest evolution of Audi’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel, in single and electrically operated twin-turbo guises. There will also be a new 4.0-litre V8 diesel, which is currently undergoing development at parent firm Volkswagen’s R&D centre in Braunschweig, Germany.
Two plug-in hybrid options are also planned for a pair of A9 e-tron models. Set to be unveiled at the Detroit motor show in January, the petrol-electric and diesel-electric combinations will first be introduced to the new, second-generation Q7, due for launch next year.
They are set to provide the A9 e-tron with a zero-emissions electric range of up to 31 miles and a CO2 output of less than 80g/km.
An Autocar source privy to a series of design proposals for the A9, which stretches to more than five metres in length, says it features a highly technical look, with a newly interpreted single-frame grille, laser headlights, precise detailing within its aluminium body structure and a newly defined shutline architecture.
Our source said: “It builds on the design in place today but takes it to a whole new level. The design department is working very closely with the production department to give future Audi models a more technical look, with added accuracy in terms of build.”
As well as previewing the exterior design of future Audis, the Los Angeles concept will showcase new interior developments, including the future direction of Audi’s new digital instrument cluster, as found in the latest TT, and new connectivity options to be made available on the new A8 and its A9 sibling.
10-14-2014 | 03:44 AM
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Three Wheelin'
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Audi: A9 news
Audi A9 concept teased ahead of L.A. reveal next month
The first image showing Audi's upcoming concept has hit the web ahead of next month's full reveal at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
It turns out rumors of a new concept from Audi are true and the vehicle will serve as a preview for the firm's new styling language and at the same time it will also give us a sneak preview of a range-topping A9 model. The concept was designed at Audi's styling center in Ingolstadt under the guidance of the company's chief designer Marc Lichte who was named in this position back in February.
In an interview with Auto & Design, Lichte said the concept's styling enhances the sportiness of Audi and will be implemented on future production cars that will come with an evolution of the single-frame front grille. The new models will be instantly recognizable as Audis but with a more "sculptural design" with simple and clean lines expressing the concept of performance.
Riding on the MLB Evo platform, the production version is rumored to come in 2017 with the A9 moniker and will allegedly be followed by a hotter S9 derivative packing a V8 4.0-liter twin-turbo with 600 bhp (447 kW).
The Audi concept teased here will be unveiled on November 18 during the first press day of the Los Angeles Auto Show.
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11-15-2014 | 07:42 AM
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Three Wheelin'
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Audi Prologue (A9) sketches revealed
Audi Prologue concept leaked ahead of Los Angeles debut
First sketches of the Audi Prologue concept, formerly known as the A9 concept, have leaked into the web.
Following the teaser image and the teaser video from weeks ago, the model has been fully revealed in these two drawings. The concept was designed at Audi's styling center in Ingolstadt under the guidance of the company's new chief designer Marc Lichte. It aims to preview the future new design language of the brand and will be showcased during the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month.
The study is 5.1m long, 1.95m wide, 1.39m high and is reportedly based on the MLB Evo platform. It still features the brand’s single-frame grille, but has a much sharper design. The front end benefits from a distinctive LED lights, while the rear end has an A7-like line.
According to previous reports, the concept is actually previewing the future flagship for the German brand. It could be launched in 2017 as the A9 and will likely be powered by a V8 4.0-liter twin-turbo with 600 bhp (447 kW).
First sketches of the Audi Prologue concept, formerly known as the A9 concept, have leaked into the web.
Following the teaser image and the teaser video from weeks ago, the model has been fully revealed in these two drawings. The concept was designed at Audi's styling center in Ingolstadt under the guidance of the company's new chief designer Marc Lichte. It aims to preview the future new design language of the brand and will be showcased during the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month.
The study is 5.1m long, 1.95m wide, 1.39m high and is reportedly based on the MLB Evo platform. It still features the brand’s single-frame grille, but has a much sharper design. The front end benefits from a distinctive LED lights, while the rear end has an A7-like line.
According to previous reports, the concept is actually previewing the future flagship for the German brand. It could be launched in 2017 as the A9 and will likely be powered by a V8 4.0-liter twin-turbo with 600 bhp (447 kW).
11-19-2014 | 01:03 AM
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Three Wheelin'
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Audi unveils their stylish Prologue concept
Audi has taken the wraps off the highly-anticipated Prologue concept.
Designed to preview the company's future styling direction, the Prologue is an elegant coupe that is slightly shorter than an A8.
Since the car is all about style, designers added a wide single frame grille that is positioned lower than on today’s production models. The grille is flanked by Matrix laser headlights, gloss black front spoilers and aggressive air vents with diamond pattern inserts.
The sleek styling continues further back as there's a sculpted hood, chiseled body work and wide fenders that house 22-inch alloy wheels. Interestingly, the concept eschews traditional door handles and uses electromechanically-operated doors that open when touched.
The rear end has influences from the Citroen C6 but thankfully the execution is more polished. Putting the rear window aside, there's three dimensional taillights and a protruding rear bumper.
While the exterior has tons of personality, the four-seat interior is a bit of a letdown. The materials are top notch and include premium leather upholstery, aluminum trim and elm wood veneers but the overall design leaves something to be desired.
Putting those grievances aside, the cabin is a technological tour de force as it has a digital instrument cluster and numerous touchscreens for both the driver and the front passenger. The concept also has a “butler” which identifies the driver by their cell phone and then automatically adjusts the driver's seat, climate control system, radio and navigation system to their preferences. Even the rear seat headrests are high-tech as they automatically extend when a passenger enters the rear seating area and retract when they leave.
Power is provided by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter TFSI V8 engine that develops 605 PS (445 kW) and 750 Nm (553lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and a quattro all-wheel drive which enables the coupe to rocket from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.
Audi has taken the wraps off the highly-anticipated Prologue concept.
Designed to preview the company's future styling direction, the Prologue is an elegant coupe that is slightly shorter than an A8.
Since the car is all about style, designers added a wide single frame grille that is positioned lower than on today’s production models. The grille is flanked by Matrix laser headlights, gloss black front spoilers and aggressive air vents with diamond pattern inserts.
The sleek styling continues further back as there's a sculpted hood, chiseled body work and wide fenders that house 22-inch alloy wheels. Interestingly, the concept eschews traditional door handles and uses electromechanically-operated doors that open when touched.
The rear end has influences from the Citroen C6 but thankfully the execution is more polished. Putting the rear window aside, there's three dimensional taillights and a protruding rear bumper.
While the exterior has tons of personality, the four-seat interior is a bit of a letdown. The materials are top notch and include premium leather upholstery, aluminum trim and elm wood veneers but the overall design leaves something to be desired.
Putting those grievances aside, the cabin is a technological tour de force as it has a digital instrument cluster and numerous touchscreens for both the driver and the front passenger. The concept also has a “butler” which identifies the driver by their cell phone and then automatically adjusts the driver's seat, climate control system, radio and navigation system to their preferences. Even the rear seat headrests are high-tech as they automatically extend when a passenger enters the rear seating area and retract when they leave.
Power is provided by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter TFSI V8 engine that develops 605 PS (445 kW) and 750 Nm (553lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and a quattro all-wheel drive which enables the coupe to rocket from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.
11-23-2014 | 02:16 PM
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Press release...
Audi is launching into a new design era: At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Marc Lichte, Head of Design, is presenting the Audi prologue concept car. Lichte is giving the Audi brand a new styling direction in the large coupe.
“When he moved to Audi, Marc Lichte launched a design offensive,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Development, who brought him to Ingolstadt in 2014. “His clear philosophy and precise understanding of Audi DNA let him develop a design strategy that is opening up entirely new perspectives for us. It is progressive and highly emotional; it expresses the technological competence and quality claim of the brand perfectly. The Audi prologue is its first proponent – it is a ‘signature car’ for Audi.”
Marc Lichte himself describes the character of the show car in this way: “Audi stands for sportiness, lightweight design and the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. In the Audi prologue, we are expressing this know-how in a new form – we have put the sportiest car in the luxury segment on wheels. Our team took new approaches in both exterior and interior design.”
Audi design is now expressing progressive technology even more powerfully. The two-door coupe has a flowing, elegant shape in a sporty and taut design. Its forms and lines are unmistakable and introduce many new ideas. In the clear and unobstructed interior, the architecture melds with the display and operating concept to create a new type of unit. The entire front of the instrument panel is a large touch display, and a portion of the user interface operates with a new type of OLED display made of organic LEDs.
The show car’s technology combines power, comfort and efficiency. The 4.0 TFSI produces up to 445 kW (605 hp) of power and 750 Nm (553.2 lb-ft) of torque; it accelerates the Audi prologue from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.7 seconds. Its dynamic all-wheel steering, in which the rear wheels can turn up to five degrees, makes the large couple extremely responsive and stable while driving.
Harmonious proportions: exterior
The Audi prologue is somewhat shorter and flatter than today’s production A8* with a length of 5.10 meters (16.7 ft), wheelbase of 2.94 meters (9.6 ft), width of 1.95 meters (6.4 ft) and height of 1.39 meters (4.6 ft). A dominant feature at its low front end is a Singleframe displaying the four rings that is integrated into the automobile architecture. The large radiator grille has been widened much more, and it is positioned lower than on today’s production models. Its strong horizontal effect expresses an image of powerful dynamics. The cross bars have a finely structured diamond pattern, and their ends are split.
The headlights – shaped like wide, flat wedges – are located with their tips above the Singleframe. They present high-resolution Matrix laser technology: an innovation from Audi which opens up new approaches to headlight design and enables completely new functionalities. The pupils of the headlights are formed by a projection lens with a laser light source – they generate a matrix that illuminates the entire street in high resolution. Hovering beneath this element are five plastic lenses that are supplied with light via a glass fiber bundle, which are mounted to a lightweight structure and further extend the high-beam light. The new laser technology lets lighting designers create an extremely lightweight, compact and elegant eye-shaped form.
Audi quattro DNA visualized
Also new is the sculptural form of the air intakes under the headlights – the distinctive air intakes have diamond pattern screens in their interiors. A dynamically contoured blade, which is clearly separated from the bumper by a gap, elicits associations to motor sport. Mounted to it are two additional spoilers in glossy black, which give the show car an even stronger and wider stance on the road.
In side profile, its flowing silhouette expresses the character of forward motion in the Audi prologue. Balanced proportions put equal emphasis on the front and rear wheels – a clear reference to the quattro DNA of Audi. The powerful 22-inch wheels are set in widely flared wheel arches. They are fitted with tires of size 285/30. Each wheel’s ten intertwining Y spokes project a filigreed, three-dimensional and powerful image.
Edges above the wheel arches refer back to the Ur-quattro
A characteristic feature of the Audi prologue are the flared shoulders above the wheels, front and rear. Like the blisters of the original Audi Ur-quattro of the 1980s, they visualize the quattro drive – but they are no longer just added on, rather they are worked into the flow of the base architecture. In a side view, the shoulders form two gentle arcs above the wheels, which break up the somewhat lower shoulder line between the wheels.
The fenders, doors and rear side panels show curved muscular surfaces. The lower door area has a low concave shape that runs upwards to the rear – a motif that links to the design theme of air inlets. The side sills are drawn inward; glossy black aprons form a continuation of the front spoiler. All lines and surfaces on the Audi prologue show car are logically interrelated, which is typical Audi.
Aluminum components in hand-finished quality
The door mirrors are small aluminum sculptures: The mirror housings in the form of a shell create a flowing transition to the window slot trim. They also integrate the open-door sensor surfaces. The doors have no handles, and they are opened electromechanically when the illuminated sensor surfaces are touched.
Vast areas of the stiff multimaterial body of the Audi prologue consist of aluminum and ultra-high-strength steel. The windows are framed by matt and polished aluminum trim strips. At the end of the low roof dome, the window framing transitions into a solid surface of aluminum; its workmanship illustrates the handcraft-like manufacturing quality of Audi, and it enables lowering of the windows despite the C-pillars. This area integrates the fuel tank lid on the right side of the show car. It has an electric opening mechanism and can be lowered completely into the C-pillar by pressing a button in the interior. For enhanced convenience in refueling, the tank closure does not have a cap. The paint is a light diva gray, a new type of pearl effect paint, which has a warm and elegant appearance.
Rear section drives the whole car forward
The rear section of the Audi prologue also breaks with conventions. It is angled in the driving direction and is reminiscent of the side and rear views of a luxurious yacht; the sickle-shaped seam between the side panel and the bumper emphasizes this dynamism. The edge of the trunk lid, which is executed as a discreet spoiler, picks up on the blister line coming from the side panel. Between the C-pillars, the rear window has a concave inward curve – it closes off the passenger compartment while enabling convenient cargo loading with the separate trunk lid. The Audi prologue unites the positive aspects of a saloon with the aesthetic highlights of a coupe.
The unconventional design of the LED rear lights with their 3D glass gives the tail lights all of the benefits of the new design: the new, long tail lights run across the entire width of the car. At its termination point, the light illuminates the frame of the embossed 3D form. Fine lines in the 3D glass appear to hover in the middle of the light. The brake light is located deep inside the lighting unit. When braking, the bottom of the 3D imprint is also illuminated, which makes the light appear to move towards the observer. This configuration on different levels, and the alternation between 2D and 3D lighting functions lets the observer experience the tail lights in an entirely new dynamic way.
Beneath the bumper, there is a diffuser made of glossy black aluminum; like the front blade, it extends over the full width of the car as a separate, significantly recessed element. The diffuser integrates two trapezoid-shaped inlets which visually coordinate with the embossed tail lights and house the exhaust system tailpipes.
Luxurious and innovative: interior and operating concept
The spacious interior of the Audi prologue is like a luxurious lounge. It is based on Gran Turismo design, and it enables both very sporty driving and relaxed touring. The interface visually adapts to the specific driving style. The interior marks the beginning of a new design era at Audi, in which the architecture merges with the operating concept to form one unit. The surfaces for displays and controls are innovatively integrated into the instrument panel and console of the center tunnel, and the infotainment system brings driver and passenger into dialog with one another.
When entering the vehicle, the four-seat coupe receives its passengers with polite hospitality. The “butler” – an innovative intelligent software program – identifies them based on their smartphones and adjusts the seats and climate control system according to their preferences. The system also makes recommendations for music and route planning that are oriented towards the owner’s preferences. The Easy Slot system, an advanced development of the Audi phone box, is located under lids in the center console. A special mechanism networks the smartphones of passengers to the vehicle infotainment system and charges them.
Generous open interior space
Tautly stretched lines and lean geometric forms give the interior a light and clear ambience. The instrument panel has a light and elegant appearance with its strictly horizontal layout that is not interrupted anywhere, and it emphasizes the generous interior width. It lowers itself towards the interior on two levels. The upper level is positioned, like a roof, above the Audi virtual cockpit future – an advanced development of the Audi virtual cockpit – and above the line of air vents. It is part of the wrap-around – a large arc that encircles the driver and front passenger.
A second wrap-around joins the front and rear sections of the interior and is already quite visible from the exterior. The center console with its pass-through also appears to hover, as do the front seats, whose rails are mounted on the tunnel and side sills. The head restraints of the two rear bucket seats are lowered when not in use; they automatically extend when a passenger enters the rear seating area with the electric easy entry function.
When the sound system is activated, a new type of sound spoiler extends from the rear shelf; it optimally produces a premium sound in the car that is typical of Audi.
Entire front of instrument panel becomes a display
A radically new type of display and operating concept is embedded in the elegant architecture. Across its full width, the front of the instrument panel is designed to be a display surface which integrates three touch displays. The driver-oriented display to the left of the steering wheel is used to control functions for lighting and assistance systems. The driver-oriented operating unit to the right contains media controls. The front passenger faces a widescreen display that is integrated into the full surface of the instrument panel; it is used to individually and conveniently control entertainment features.
The new type of front passenger display enables digital interaction between the driver and front passenger for the first time. A wiping movement by the passenger is all it takes to send pre-configured routes to the driver’s display and input them into the Audi virtual cockpit future.
On the console of the center tunnel, there is a fourth flexible touch display that is ergonomically adapted to the driver; it is used for climate control, handwriting input and other vehicle settings. This display consists primarily of an extremely thin, bendable OLED film (OLED: organic light emitting diodes), and it displays extremely sharp images that are rich in contrast. When not in use, the OLED display is integrated flush to the center console and is nearly invisible. When the car is started, the flexible display stands up. The fact that it bends ensures a constant distance to the hand which makes for better ergonomics. When operating the display, the wrist rests on the low-positioned gear selector lever of the eight-speed tiptronic.
Designers have also redesigned the shift-by-wire lever. It is now integrated seamlessly into the center console. Cupholders and smartphone slots are installed under lids on the center console, to the left and right of the console support element.
Audi virtual cockpit future shows images on three levels
The Audi virtual cockpit future offers a glimpse into the future of the digital cockpit: High-resolution displays and three mirrors generate a virtual stage on three levels – a fascinating view with visual depth. In the navigation view, the first level presents information that is important for driving; levels two and three generate the depth effect in the cockpit. Structuring the information on different levels makes it better organized and easier for the driver to comprehend. The content and colors of the Audi virtual cockpit future change as a function of driving style – in sporty driving, the display switches over to Sport mode with special presentation of the relevant information such as engine rpm, temperatures and charge pressure.
Inside the Audi prologue, every detail clearly illustrates its exclusive character. A finely crafted perforated panel covers the air vents. If the driver sets the blower to a higher stage, the panel retracts downwards.
White LED light conductors trace the distinctive lines of the interior, starting at the doors. A large aluminum brace forms the steering wheel spokes; it harmonizes with the bars on the displays and the door pull handles. All aluminum accents show perfection in craftsmanship: Their surfaces have matt finishes, and the edges are polished – a fine interplay of gloss levels.
Natural materials communicate a new luxury
For Audi designers from the Color & Trim area, natural materials are the new luxury; all of the materials in the show car fascinate with their authenticity. The surfaces of the seats and seat backs, the dashboard, the console on the center tunnel and the armrests are covered in light-colored “passion” leather – a new soft grade of leather that emphasizes the natural characteristics of the animal hide.
Soft nubuck leather, also in a light color, covers the backs of the seats and the side panel trim of the rear seating area. On the instrument panel, the gray-brown trim of the lower section provides another strong accent. The wrap-around is upholstered in dark “passion” leather; here, and in many other areas, aluminum trim strips contrast with panels of open-grained silver-gray elm wood veneer.
Sporty yet convenient: the technology
The technology of the Audi prologue is as sophisticated as its interior is emotion-evoking. The 4.0 TFSI, which is installed in the engine compartment like a technical masterpiece, produces 445 kW (605 hp) and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of torque; in overboost mode, which the driver can call up for around 15 seconds, a boosted torque of 750 Nm (553.2 lb-ft) is available. The sonorous biturbo V8 accelerates the two-door coupe, which has an unladen weight of 1,980 kilograms (4,365.2 lb) from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.7 seconds.
The show car’s combined fuel consumption is just 8.6 liters per 100 kilometers (27.4 US mpg), which equates to CO2 emissions of 199 grams per kilometer (320.3 g/mile). One contributor to this high efficiency is a new 48-volt subsystem of the vehicle electrical system – this is a technology that will soon be introduced to production cars at Audi. The 48-volt system is supplied by a powerful belt starter generator, which turns the powertrain into a mild hybrid and has an energy recovery output of up to 12 kW during braking. An eight-speed tiptronic directs engine power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which works closely with torque vectoring.
New five-link wheel suspensions
In the chassis, the adaptive air suspension sport – an air suspension with controlled damping – offers a large adjustment range between smooth rolling and very tight handling; it also varies the show car’s ground clearance over several levels. The front and rear suspensions are engineered as lightweight five-link designs. The large carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs decelerate the show car powerfully. On the 20-inch front brakes, they are gripped by six-piston fixed calipers.
A technology highlight of the Audi prologue is its dynamic all-wheel steering – it boosts driving dynamics and ride comfort by an intelligent combination of dynamic and all-wheel steering. The driver therefore can enjoy an automobile with extremely good handling. In the lower speed range, this is made evident by better agility and turning ability. In the higher speed range, developers improved the car’s responsiveness which leads to greater vehicle stability.
Overall, dynamic all-wheel steering – with rear wheel steering angles of up to five degrees – makes it easy to maneuver when parking and offers precise and sporty steering on country roads and impressively comfortable steering on freeways.
Fuel consumption of the models named above:
Audi A8:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 11.3 – 5.9 (20.8 – 39.9 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 264 – 144 (424.9 – 231.7 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.
“When he moved to Audi, Marc Lichte launched a design offensive,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Development, who brought him to Ingolstadt in 2014. “His clear philosophy and precise understanding of Audi DNA let him develop a design strategy that is opening up entirely new perspectives for us. It is progressive and highly emotional; it expresses the technological competence and quality claim of the brand perfectly. The Audi prologue is its first proponent – it is a ‘signature car’ for Audi.”
Marc Lichte himself describes the character of the show car in this way: “Audi stands for sportiness, lightweight design and the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. In the Audi prologue, we are expressing this know-how in a new form – we have put the sportiest car in the luxury segment on wheels. Our team took new approaches in both exterior and interior design.”
Audi design is now expressing progressive technology even more powerfully. The two-door coupe has a flowing, elegant shape in a sporty and taut design. Its forms and lines are unmistakable and introduce many new ideas. In the clear and unobstructed interior, the architecture melds with the display and operating concept to create a new type of unit. The entire front of the instrument panel is a large touch display, and a portion of the user interface operates with a new type of OLED display made of organic LEDs.
The show car’s technology combines power, comfort and efficiency. The 4.0 TFSI produces up to 445 kW (605 hp) of power and 750 Nm (553.2 lb-ft) of torque; it accelerates the Audi prologue from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.7 seconds. Its dynamic all-wheel steering, in which the rear wheels can turn up to five degrees, makes the large couple extremely responsive and stable while driving.
Harmonious proportions: exterior
The Audi prologue is somewhat shorter and flatter than today’s production A8* with a length of 5.10 meters (16.7 ft), wheelbase of 2.94 meters (9.6 ft), width of 1.95 meters (6.4 ft) and height of 1.39 meters (4.6 ft). A dominant feature at its low front end is a Singleframe displaying the four rings that is integrated into the automobile architecture. The large radiator grille has been widened much more, and it is positioned lower than on today’s production models. Its strong horizontal effect expresses an image of powerful dynamics. The cross bars have a finely structured diamond pattern, and their ends are split.
The headlights – shaped like wide, flat wedges – are located with their tips above the Singleframe. They present high-resolution Matrix laser technology: an innovation from Audi which opens up new approaches to headlight design and enables completely new functionalities. The pupils of the headlights are formed by a projection lens with a laser light source – they generate a matrix that illuminates the entire street in high resolution. Hovering beneath this element are five plastic lenses that are supplied with light via a glass fiber bundle, which are mounted to a lightweight structure and further extend the high-beam light. The new laser technology lets lighting designers create an extremely lightweight, compact and elegant eye-shaped form.
Audi quattro DNA visualized
Also new is the sculptural form of the air intakes under the headlights – the distinctive air intakes have diamond pattern screens in their interiors. A dynamically contoured blade, which is clearly separated from the bumper by a gap, elicits associations to motor sport. Mounted to it are two additional spoilers in glossy black, which give the show car an even stronger and wider stance on the road.
In side profile, its flowing silhouette expresses the character of forward motion in the Audi prologue. Balanced proportions put equal emphasis on the front and rear wheels – a clear reference to the quattro DNA of Audi. The powerful 22-inch wheels are set in widely flared wheel arches. They are fitted with tires of size 285/30. Each wheel’s ten intertwining Y spokes project a filigreed, three-dimensional and powerful image.
Edges above the wheel arches refer back to the Ur-quattro
A characteristic feature of the Audi prologue are the flared shoulders above the wheels, front and rear. Like the blisters of the original Audi Ur-quattro of the 1980s, they visualize the quattro drive – but they are no longer just added on, rather they are worked into the flow of the base architecture. In a side view, the shoulders form two gentle arcs above the wheels, which break up the somewhat lower shoulder line between the wheels.
The fenders, doors and rear side panels show curved muscular surfaces. The lower door area has a low concave shape that runs upwards to the rear – a motif that links to the design theme of air inlets. The side sills are drawn inward; glossy black aprons form a continuation of the front spoiler. All lines and surfaces on the Audi prologue show car are logically interrelated, which is typical Audi.
Aluminum components in hand-finished quality
The door mirrors are small aluminum sculptures: The mirror housings in the form of a shell create a flowing transition to the window slot trim. They also integrate the open-door sensor surfaces. The doors have no handles, and they are opened electromechanically when the illuminated sensor surfaces are touched.
Vast areas of the stiff multimaterial body of the Audi prologue consist of aluminum and ultra-high-strength steel. The windows are framed by matt and polished aluminum trim strips. At the end of the low roof dome, the window framing transitions into a solid surface of aluminum; its workmanship illustrates the handcraft-like manufacturing quality of Audi, and it enables lowering of the windows despite the C-pillars. This area integrates the fuel tank lid on the right side of the show car. It has an electric opening mechanism and can be lowered completely into the C-pillar by pressing a button in the interior. For enhanced convenience in refueling, the tank closure does not have a cap. The paint is a light diva gray, a new type of pearl effect paint, which has a warm and elegant appearance.
Rear section drives the whole car forward
The rear section of the Audi prologue also breaks with conventions. It is angled in the driving direction and is reminiscent of the side and rear views of a luxurious yacht; the sickle-shaped seam between the side panel and the bumper emphasizes this dynamism. The edge of the trunk lid, which is executed as a discreet spoiler, picks up on the blister line coming from the side panel. Between the C-pillars, the rear window has a concave inward curve – it closes off the passenger compartment while enabling convenient cargo loading with the separate trunk lid. The Audi prologue unites the positive aspects of a saloon with the aesthetic highlights of a coupe.
The unconventional design of the LED rear lights with their 3D glass gives the tail lights all of the benefits of the new design: the new, long tail lights run across the entire width of the car. At its termination point, the light illuminates the frame of the embossed 3D form. Fine lines in the 3D glass appear to hover in the middle of the light. The brake light is located deep inside the lighting unit. When braking, the bottom of the 3D imprint is also illuminated, which makes the light appear to move towards the observer. This configuration on different levels, and the alternation between 2D and 3D lighting functions lets the observer experience the tail lights in an entirely new dynamic way.
Beneath the bumper, there is a diffuser made of glossy black aluminum; like the front blade, it extends over the full width of the car as a separate, significantly recessed element. The diffuser integrates two trapezoid-shaped inlets which visually coordinate with the embossed tail lights and house the exhaust system tailpipes.
Luxurious and innovative: interior and operating concept
The spacious interior of the Audi prologue is like a luxurious lounge. It is based on Gran Turismo design, and it enables both very sporty driving and relaxed touring. The interface visually adapts to the specific driving style. The interior marks the beginning of a new design era at Audi, in which the architecture merges with the operating concept to form one unit. The surfaces for displays and controls are innovatively integrated into the instrument panel and console of the center tunnel, and the infotainment system brings driver and passenger into dialog with one another.
When entering the vehicle, the four-seat coupe receives its passengers with polite hospitality. The “butler” – an innovative intelligent software program – identifies them based on their smartphones and adjusts the seats and climate control system according to their preferences. The system also makes recommendations for music and route planning that are oriented towards the owner’s preferences. The Easy Slot system, an advanced development of the Audi phone box, is located under lids in the center console. A special mechanism networks the smartphones of passengers to the vehicle infotainment system and charges them.
Generous open interior space
Tautly stretched lines and lean geometric forms give the interior a light and clear ambience. The instrument panel has a light and elegant appearance with its strictly horizontal layout that is not interrupted anywhere, and it emphasizes the generous interior width. It lowers itself towards the interior on two levels. The upper level is positioned, like a roof, above the Audi virtual cockpit future – an advanced development of the Audi virtual cockpit – and above the line of air vents. It is part of the wrap-around – a large arc that encircles the driver and front passenger.
A second wrap-around joins the front and rear sections of the interior and is already quite visible from the exterior. The center console with its pass-through also appears to hover, as do the front seats, whose rails are mounted on the tunnel and side sills. The head restraints of the two rear bucket seats are lowered when not in use; they automatically extend when a passenger enters the rear seating area with the electric easy entry function.
When the sound system is activated, a new type of sound spoiler extends from the rear shelf; it optimally produces a premium sound in the car that is typical of Audi.
Entire front of instrument panel becomes a display
A radically new type of display and operating concept is embedded in the elegant architecture. Across its full width, the front of the instrument panel is designed to be a display surface which integrates three touch displays. The driver-oriented display to the left of the steering wheel is used to control functions for lighting and assistance systems. The driver-oriented operating unit to the right contains media controls. The front passenger faces a widescreen display that is integrated into the full surface of the instrument panel; it is used to individually and conveniently control entertainment features.
The new type of front passenger display enables digital interaction between the driver and front passenger for the first time. A wiping movement by the passenger is all it takes to send pre-configured routes to the driver’s display and input them into the Audi virtual cockpit future.
On the console of the center tunnel, there is a fourth flexible touch display that is ergonomically adapted to the driver; it is used for climate control, handwriting input and other vehicle settings. This display consists primarily of an extremely thin, bendable OLED film (OLED: organic light emitting diodes), and it displays extremely sharp images that are rich in contrast. When not in use, the OLED display is integrated flush to the center console and is nearly invisible. When the car is started, the flexible display stands up. The fact that it bends ensures a constant distance to the hand which makes for better ergonomics. When operating the display, the wrist rests on the low-positioned gear selector lever of the eight-speed tiptronic.
Designers have also redesigned the shift-by-wire lever. It is now integrated seamlessly into the center console. Cupholders and smartphone slots are installed under lids on the center console, to the left and right of the console support element.
Audi virtual cockpit future shows images on three levels
The Audi virtual cockpit future offers a glimpse into the future of the digital cockpit: High-resolution displays and three mirrors generate a virtual stage on three levels – a fascinating view with visual depth. In the navigation view, the first level presents information that is important for driving; levels two and three generate the depth effect in the cockpit. Structuring the information on different levels makes it better organized and easier for the driver to comprehend. The content and colors of the Audi virtual cockpit future change as a function of driving style – in sporty driving, the display switches over to Sport mode with special presentation of the relevant information such as engine rpm, temperatures and charge pressure.
Inside the Audi prologue, every detail clearly illustrates its exclusive character. A finely crafted perforated panel covers the air vents. If the driver sets the blower to a higher stage, the panel retracts downwards.
White LED light conductors trace the distinctive lines of the interior, starting at the doors. A large aluminum brace forms the steering wheel spokes; it harmonizes with the bars on the displays and the door pull handles. All aluminum accents show perfection in craftsmanship: Their surfaces have matt finishes, and the edges are polished – a fine interplay of gloss levels.
Natural materials communicate a new luxury
For Audi designers from the Color & Trim area, natural materials are the new luxury; all of the materials in the show car fascinate with their authenticity. The surfaces of the seats and seat backs, the dashboard, the console on the center tunnel and the armrests are covered in light-colored “passion” leather – a new soft grade of leather that emphasizes the natural characteristics of the animal hide.
Soft nubuck leather, also in a light color, covers the backs of the seats and the side panel trim of the rear seating area. On the instrument panel, the gray-brown trim of the lower section provides another strong accent. The wrap-around is upholstered in dark “passion” leather; here, and in many other areas, aluminum trim strips contrast with panels of open-grained silver-gray elm wood veneer.
Sporty yet convenient: the technology
The technology of the Audi prologue is as sophisticated as its interior is emotion-evoking. The 4.0 TFSI, which is installed in the engine compartment like a technical masterpiece, produces 445 kW (605 hp) and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of torque; in overboost mode, which the driver can call up for around 15 seconds, a boosted torque of 750 Nm (553.2 lb-ft) is available. The sonorous biturbo V8 accelerates the two-door coupe, which has an unladen weight of 1,980 kilograms (4,365.2 lb) from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.7 seconds.
The show car’s combined fuel consumption is just 8.6 liters per 100 kilometers (27.4 US mpg), which equates to CO2 emissions of 199 grams per kilometer (320.3 g/mile). One contributor to this high efficiency is a new 48-volt subsystem of the vehicle electrical system – this is a technology that will soon be introduced to production cars at Audi. The 48-volt system is supplied by a powerful belt starter generator, which turns the powertrain into a mild hybrid and has an energy recovery output of up to 12 kW during braking. An eight-speed tiptronic directs engine power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which works closely with torque vectoring.
New five-link wheel suspensions
In the chassis, the adaptive air suspension sport – an air suspension with controlled damping – offers a large adjustment range between smooth rolling and very tight handling; it also varies the show car’s ground clearance over several levels. The front and rear suspensions are engineered as lightweight five-link designs. The large carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs decelerate the show car powerfully. On the 20-inch front brakes, they are gripped by six-piston fixed calipers.
A technology highlight of the Audi prologue is its dynamic all-wheel steering – it boosts driving dynamics and ride comfort by an intelligent combination of dynamic and all-wheel steering. The driver therefore can enjoy an automobile with extremely good handling. In the lower speed range, this is made evident by better agility and turning ability. In the higher speed range, developers improved the car’s responsiveness which leads to greater vehicle stability.
Overall, dynamic all-wheel steering – with rear wheel steering angles of up to five degrees – makes it easy to maneuver when parking and offers precise and sporty steering on country roads and impressively comfortable steering on freeways.
Fuel consumption of the models named above:
Audi A8:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 11.3 – 5.9 (20.8 – 39.9 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 264 – 144 (424.9 – 231.7 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.
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