Detroit 2009: Audi introduces 39 mpg Sportback concept [w/VIDEO]
click the Sportback concept for a high res gallery of what to expect from the A7
Audi took the wraps off a new concept in Detroit that presages the upcoming A7 coupe/sedan that will be joining the lineup in the next year or so. The Sportback concept is a low slung four door in the manner of cars like the Mercedes CLS and is sized similarly to the existing A6 sedan. Besides the updated Audi styling that includes LED lighting everywhere, the concept is powered by 3.0L V6 TDI diesel. This is the same engine going into the Q7 TDI that will be appearing in US Audi showrooms in the next few weeks.
The concept pairs the TDI V6 with the same 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutch transmission used in the new S4 sedan as well as an automatic start-stop system. Even in this fairly large car, the powertrain delivers a combined 39 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 156 g/km.
Hit the jump for the press release and a 20-second video walk-around of the Audi Sportback concept.
Photos copyright ©2009 Drew Phillips / Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
PRESS RELEASE
Audi Sportback concept
Debut in Detroit: Audi is unveiling the Sportback concept show car at the 2009 North American International Automobile Show. With systematic refinements to the brand's characteristic design elements, the five-door model offers a glimpse at the Audi's future design vocabulary. With its pronounced coupé-like silhouette and large rear hatch, the 4.95 m long
(16.24 ft), 1.93 m wide (6.33 ft) and only 1.40 m high (4.59 ft) vehicle is boldly progressive for the luxury class.
The technology of the Audi Sportback concept is markedly futuristic. Power is provided by the world's cleanest diesel technology: the 3.0-liter V6 TDI clean diesel almost completely eliminates nitrogen oxides. This engine already meets the emissions limits of all 50 U.S. states and the EU6 standard scheduled to take effect in 2014. And numerous measures to ensure top efficiency mean that the Audi Sportback concept is expected to achieve impressive fuel consumption figures of 5.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (39.87 US mpg).
Driving dynamics in a new guise – the idea
Since its introduction in 2004, the concept of the Sportback has established itself in the compact class. The success of the A3 Sportback has exceeded even the expectations of its makers – far more customers choose the four-door model with the large rear hatch than its three-door sibling.
But it is far more than two additional doors that sets the A3 Sportback apart from the base model. It is characterized by the sporting elegance of a coupe, the versatility of a five-door model, sophisticated technology and pronounced sportiness – driving dynamics in a new guise.
It also offers even more space and variability thanks to a tail end that is a total of 54 millimeters (2.13 in) longer that of the three-door model.
The launch of the first production Sportback marked the second time that Audi started a new trend in the automobile market. The development of the first Avant models in the seventies laid the foundation for a new class of automobiles far beyond the matter-of-fact utility of the classic station wagon. The marked accentuation of a futuristic and dynamic design, high-quality equipment and extreme variability have been the distinguishing features of every Audi Avant from the very beginning.
The Audi Sportback concept show car is now rolling up to the starting line with a dual mission: As suggested by the name, it symbolizes the Sportback principle in its purest form in the combination of elegance, sportiness and variability.
And the show car also signals the company's determination not to limit Sportback versions to the compact segment. As previously indicated by the Audi A1 Sportback concept – the star of the 2008 Paris Motor Show – the brand with the four rings is going to dramatically expand the number of Sportback models on the market.
Design
The design of the Audi Sportback concept is characterized by an almost monolithic clarity and a vast reduction of the number of lines. The roof, shoulder and sill lines appear to have been drawn with a single stroke. The window strip of the coupé with its four frameless doors was kept pronouncedly flat. Viewed from the side, the softly contoured wheel wells over the 10-spoke, 21-inch wheels reinforce the impression of the precisely defined surfaces of the body.
One feature familiar from the two-door Audi A5 coupé is even more boldly accentuated here: The markedly horizontal shoulder area emphasizes the orientation of the vehicle body to the road. This effect is further reinforced at the front and rear by the broad, flat LED light units. The shape of the almost fragile-looking side mirrors is inspired by the upturned tips – the "winglets" – of modern jet wings.
The show car also offers a new interpretation of the single-frame grille. The decision not to use vertical struts and the low overall height emphasize the sporty basic proportions of the vehicle front. Also particularly striking is the modified outer contour of the single-frame grille as also featured on the A1 Sportback show car. The flattened top edges lower the visual center of gravity and provide a striking look for the front end.
The aerodynamically designed air intakes under the headlights function as air deflectors which guide the required cooling air precisely into an intake duct. They have the stylistic effect of accentuating the impression of width.
The tail of the show car is also evidently related to the A5 coupé. The high top edge of the rear hatch gives rise to a strikingly clear surface below the rear lights.
The low separating edge and the horizontal lines – another characteristic feature – underscore the width and therefore the sporty nature of the Audi Sportback concept. The four tailpipes integrated into the body and an air deflector in the diffuser insert are cues borrowed from the sportscar sector.
The interior design is tidy and downright purist yet elegant at the same time. The large glass roof underscores the width and feeling of spaciousness. In the driver-oriented cockpit, the air vents, instrument cluster and retracting MMI monitor are outlined by a filigree aluminum border.
As with the exterior, the interior is characterized by the emphasis on horizontal lines and large surfaces. Especially the wide center console – stretching from the dashboard to the back – seems to be a pure expression of function.
The flat display of the MMI system is realized as a retractable system in the show car. When the ignition is activated, it extends horizontally from a slot above the central air register before moving in an elegant arc into a vertical, easy-to-read position.
The high quality of the materials and manufacturing-level fit and finish are obvious when looking around the interior of the Audi Sportback concept and when touching the surfaces. The interior trim is almost completely in leather: from the headlining, dashboard, doors and the entire seat upholstery all the way through to the trunk, with the leather stitching underscoring the vehicle's design language. The large wood trim strips on the instrument panel, center console and doors are machined from oak blockboard and sport a delicate horizontal pattern of light and dark lines.
With its surfaces of piano lacquer and brushed aluminum, the MMI control unit also adds to the exceptional exclusivity of the interior. The attention to detail even extends to the door opener: Its shape is a nearly perfect reflection of the distinctive lines of the small rear side window – giving the interior and exterior formal unity.
Four sporty seats await the driver and passengers. The diamond-shaped stitching of the leather surface is reminiscent of a classic GT tradition. Shoulder, head and leg room are reminiscent of a premium-class touring car. With a volume of
500 liters (17.66 cubic feet), the trunk is generously sized and is also appointed with high-quality materials.
Drivetrain
The developers at Audi chose the world's cleanest diesel technology as the unit best befitting the Audi Sportback concept show car. The six-cylinder 3.0 TDI clean diesel is equipped with a system for the effective reduction of nitrogen oxides. The diesel engine development engineers at Audi have combined an entire package of innovative measures for this latest TDI generation: The piezo common rail system with an injection pressure of 2,000 bar, highly efficient exhaust gas recirculation and optimized turbocharging result in significantly reduced raw engine emissions. One of the highlights are the combustion chamber sensors that enable even more precise regulation of the combustion processes in the engine – this is the first time that such sensors have been installed on any engine in the world, marking yet another Audi innovation.
The status of the new-generation TDI as the definitive clean-running, high-tech diesel is sealed by the downstream exhaust emission control system, which reduces emissions by up to 90 percent. The system uses AdBlue, a biologically degradable, waterborne additive that is injected in small amounts upstream of the DeNOx catalytic converter. In addition to the catalytic converter, the exhaust emission control system comprises the metering module, the AdBlue tank and heated lines, as well as an extensive system of sensors. The additional oxidizing catalytic converter and the highly efficient, regulated diesel particulate filter round off the comprehensive emission control system.
Thanks to their extremely low emission levels, these modern direct-injection diesel engines can be put into service anywhere in the world, even in the U.S. state of California, which has the world's most stringent emissions limits. Compared with the fleet average of the gasoline engines typically found in the U.S., the TDI boasts a fuel-efficiency advantage of up to 40 percent. The diesel technology thus makes a greater contribution than any other type of engine to reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. Audi will offer this engine in the U.S. and Europe beginning in 2009.
As in the U.S. version of the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI, the V6 also produces 165 kW (225 hp) and 550 Nm (405.66 lb-ft) of torque in the Audi Sportback concept. Power is transferred to the wheels via Audi's most modern transmission: the new 7-speed tiptronic. The quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system ensures that the torque generated by the powerful TDI is also converted effectively into propulsion and dynamism under any conditions.
Weighing just 1,800 kilograms (3,968.32 lb) and with a drag coefficient of 0.30, the coupe will accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in less than seven seconds and reach a top speed of 245 km/h (152.24 mph).
The Audi Sportback concept's average fuel economy according to the European ECE standard is only 5.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (39.87 US mpg), and its CO2 emissions no more than 156 g/km (251.06 g/mile). These sensationally low figures for a large model have been achieved by extensive efficiency-optimizing measures.
For example, this model's electromechanical power steering only consumes energy when the steering is turned, not when driving in a straight line.
The TDI engine features an innovative temperature management system. When the engine is warming up, part of the coolant flow is diverted – another way to improve efficiency, since it helps the engine to warm up quicker. This means significant practical savings, because many journeys are fairly short. The fuel pump also runs only when there is a demand for fuel, and therefore uses less energy.
The 7-speed S tronic transmission is a very efficient unit with a wide spread of gear ratios. For the first time, it has been equipped with transmission oil heating, so that it reaches its intended operating temperature much earlier and therefore has a lower level of internal friction.
When coasting, the Audi Sportback concept – like the Audi A4 and Audi Q5 production models – recuperates energy. This boosts the output of the alternator and is used to charge the battery. This energy, which in effect costs nothing to recover, is fed back into the vehicle's electrical system when needed. An automatic start-stop system shuts the TDI engine down to save energy, for instance when waiting at a traffic signal.
And when it is on the move, tires optimized for low roll resistance cut fuel consumption significantly without incurring any disadvantages in the performance area.
Driving dynamics
The Audi Sportback concept show car took the basic architecture and many components of its suspension from the brand's latest and most successful model family: the very dynamic A4/A5 model series. The dynamic suspension sets standards here, as well, combining precision and dynamism with high stability and superior poise. The suspension mountings, steering, wheels and brakes have been developed for top performance and numerous aluminum components are used to keep unsprung masses to a minimum.
The new five-link front suspension makes a major contribution to the car's dynamic character. By moving the differential further forward and the clutch further back, the design engineers were able to reposition the front axle 154 millimeters (6.06 inches) further forward. The result is an optimal distribution of weight between the front and rear axles.
The front suspension is made up of five links per wheel – a support link and a control arm at the bottom and two control arms at the top. The fifth link – the track rod – connects the steering box and the pivot bearing. All these links are made of forged aluminum, ensuring low unsprung masses, ultra-precise wheel control and a high level of crash safety. The anti-roll bar fabricated from a high-strength tube saves additional weight. The backbone of the rear axle is a subframe with high flexural and torsional rigidity.
If sporty handling is to be combined with a high standard of ride comfort, the unsprung masses must be kept as low as possible. Audi has pursued this approach for all the rear-axle components. The upper control arms and the track rods are of forged aluminum. Their high rigidity ensures that toe and camber angles change very little when dynamic forces act on the wheels.
The CDC (continuous damping control) shock absorbers, similar to those that Audi already uses on the luxury Q7 SUV with air suspension, are twin-tube, gas-filled hydraulic units with an additional external valve and connecting pipe. Their operation can be continuously varied.
An electromagnetically energized, proportional-action valve regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid between the inner and outer damper tubes. A smaller flow cross-section makes the damping characteristic firmer, a larger one makes it softer.
The control unit applies adaptive operating characteristics within the mode the driver has chosen via Audi drive select. It adapts to match the driver's driving style and the road conditions. Even from the comfort mode, the shock absorbers can be switched in an instant to a firm setting if desired, though not to the absolute limit. They are fitted in conjunction with sports suspension springs, which still provide a good level of ride comfort, even off-road.
The control unit selects the optimum damping force for the current driving situation, for instance firmer damping to prevent body roll and pitch when cornering fast or braking, or lower damping force where the surface under the wheels is hard and uneven.
The show car marks the first time that Audi has used electromechanical steering in a car with a longitudinal engine. Its primary advantage is that, unlike conventional power steering systems, it only consumes energy when actually steering. On average, this means a fuel saving of 0.2 liters per 100 kilometers, depending on driving conditions.
The electromechanical steering of the Audi Sportback concept also enables the coupling with the parking steering assistant for fully automatic steering when parallel parking.
The Audi Sportback concept is equipped with ceramic brakes on all four wheels for effective deceleration even under the most demanding conditions. Compared with conventional steel disks, ceramic brakes not only last four times longer, up to 300,000 kilometers (186,411 miles), but also offer high resistance to fading. The significant reduction in weight also leads to advantages in terms of comfort and handling, thanks to reduced unsprung masses.
On the front axle, 380-millimeter (14.96-inch) ceramic disks are fitted in combination with 21-inch wheels. The rear disks have a diameter of 356 millimeters (14.02 inches). The elaborate cooling duct geometry of the ventilated brake disks ensures optimal cooling of the brake disks. Firm grip on the brake disk is guaranteed at the front by 6-piston monobloc aluminum brake calipers, and at the rear by floating-caliper brakes.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
noz 4:55PM (1/12/2009)
Pathetic....these freaking Germans just can't give up that diesel crap.
Quite telling about how far behind they are in innovative and important technologies.
Reply
Matt 6:50PM (1/12/2009)
Ok, what would you say IS the most efficient diesel? Obviously the Jetta TDI (bluetech) has something going for it since it's green car of the year and all. Plus, it has tons of pickup and handles great. Don't knock it until you try it. Oh, and Audi is pretty far ahead on the LED headlight, as well as the magnetic ride control. Oh, and don't forget about the dual clutch transmission. Oh, or the all wheel drive. You know what, your probably right... name another car that has ALL of that.
noz 9:52PM (1/12/2009)
I have tried diesels. They are boring and do not solve any long term issues with have with curbing the use of fossil fuels.
So it's dumb to develop a fleet of "fuel efficient" cars based on diesel.
Brandon 8:32AM (1/13/2009)
Whether you like it or not we will be using petroleum for many more years. Battery technology is still many years away from being the only solution. And until everything is electric or hydrogen doesn't it make sense to use petroleum the most efficient way possible? Idiots like you are the reason diesels were banned in California for so long. The oil companies love "environmentalists" like you that want to keep diesels away. But I guess you are right, using tons of toxic chemicals and spending thousands to build batteries and electric systems to build hybrids that are just barely more efficient (less efficient on the highway) and far less fun to drive than the diesels that are sold in the rest of the world every day is the only solution.
noz 12:58PM (1/13/2009)
Idiots like you are the reason why we are so far behind in technologies that could have replaced fossil fuels a long time ago.
So it's no wonder battery technology and what not is not up to high standards. I knew it would take a genius like you would figure it out.
We're headed for a climate disaster and the only thing you can say is "Whether you like it or not we will be using petroleum for many more years."
You warm my heart and give me so much hope for the future.
It's got nothing to do with environmentalism..it's got to do with reality you putz. Don't tell me you're one of those fringe crackpot idiots who think global climate change isn't happening....and the answer to the problem is diesel....
So yeah...let's only think about how fun everything is to drive so as to immasculate you from traffic light to light.
Brandon 4:41PM (1/13/2009)
I do believe global climate change is a real problem and likely cause in large part by us, but the reality is that regardless of what battery breakthroughs happen in the near term, it will still be years before we are not using petroleum for a transportation fuel. The infrastructure is simply not there to use anything else on a large scale in the near term. I am all for developing the infrastructure needed for eletrifying our transportation, and doing it as quickly as possible as that is the long term solution, but ignoring diesel in the near term is stupid. Look at what other auto makers are doing right now. Just look at the other non-german auto manufacturers, they are currently developing new generations of gasoline engines. Those are the manufacturers you should be berating for sticking to old technology and supporting global climate change. If reduction of petroleum usage is the goal there is no reason any new gasoline powered engines should be developed when a diesel engine will always be 30% more efficient. Until the infrastructure is there for a complete change to 0 petroleum vehicles, diesels are the only intelligent choice.
noz 1:58PM (1/14/2009)
This is the problem. If we continue not to invest in other infrastructures, it will never happen. This is the perfect excuse the shills of the current energy cartel are using to stop new development.
From batteries to hydrogen potential to whatever else. They kill progress from the start. And diesel is the new weapon of choice.
Automakers are part of the problem. They will not spend the money to help provide new solutions. Why should they when they can dupe is again with substandard technology running around with pollution collectors fitted on them?
You do also realize that while diesel is 30% more efficient, it also takes 15-20% more crude oil to manufacture diesel? So where's the benefit?
Rick 10:25AM (1/13/2009)
Wow, 39mpg from such a large car, that's awesome.
Noz- you've driven diesels, but have you driven an Audi TDI is the question. And these 'germans' love driving and love power, at least they are beating these 'americans' in fuel efficiency.
Reply
noz 12:59PM (1/13/2009)
Rick,
I'm not debating the performance of the car...I'm sure it's great.
But diesels are not the answer to our future energy problems. That is just bullcrap spewed from pretrol head idiots who need to continue to extend their members the only way they know how.
Reply
Matt G 9:41AM (1/15/2009)
Regardless of the technology, the end result of TDI technology is an excellent 40 MPG with Quattro. Battery tech has it's limitations as well, like the amount of charges it can receive, overall life, etcetera.
For someone like myself who lives in northern New England, this is a no brainer since a Prius with 5 more MPG will not get us to work on many of the snow-filled days here.
I am all for tech innovation, but realistically we all need to get to work everyday so we can pay for the R&D via taxes and whatnot.
Go Hydrogen!
Reply