First Audi TT RS sold in U.S.

The return of the heralded Audi RS line to the American performance car scene officially launched when Forth Worth Audi in Texas delivered the first 2012 Audi TT RS in the U.S. to veteran race car driver Don Istook.

Last year, Istook was one of more than 11,500 fans to sign the Audi TT RS Facebook petition drive, which helped convince Audi to introduce the 360-hp coupe in the U.S. But Istook’s connection to Audi and to the TT performance car line runs far deeper. The Fort Worth native was one of the first drivers to race an Audi Quattro in the U.S. in 1985 and he drove Audi S4 models in the Motorola Cup, which became the Grand-Am Cup. More recently he has raced Audi TT quattro coupes.


"Having raced at almost every major track in the U.S. and Canada, I've pushed the limits in many cars in my 34 years as a race car driver,” Istook said. “I like my street car to give me some of that thrill. With my new Audi TT RS, I not only get that thrill, but I also get that 'race car' sound.”

The 2012 Audi TT RS stands as the pinnacle of the TT model line, representative of the highest performance category for Audi vehicles. The Audi TT RS, powered by the award-winning 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI engine, generates 360 hp between 5,500 and 6,700 rpm, and 343 lb-ft of torque between 1,650 and 5,400 rpm for power on demand. With aluminum and steel hybrid ASF® technology and standard quattro® all-wheel drive, the TT RS offers excellent aerodynamics and increased rigidity and safety.

The 2012 Audi TT RS is priced at $56,850 (excluding $875 destination charges, taxes, title, options and dealer charges).

The newest Audi for the U.S. market truly showcases the performance engineering of the RS line of sports cars produced by quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm, Germany. The RS line has given Audi a special element of sports appeal, individuality and exclusivity.

“The technical capabilities of the Audi brand are perfectly distilled in the RS models developed by quattro GmbH,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “For the past few years, American sports car enthusiasts have pleaded with us to make the marquee available here. With the TT RS we are now furthering the Audi performance story that includes models from the Audi S4 to the new Audi R8 GT.”

Audi has announced plans to follow up with the U.S. introduction of the Audi RS 5 coupe next year. Audi dealers expect keen interest in the RS line.

“Interest in the return of the RS marquee has been so strong that Mr. Istook is allowing us to keep his TT RS at the dealership longer to show Audi fans and customers,” said Bobby Baillargeon, owner of Forth Worth Audi.

The Audi TT RS features exclusive design elements denoting its special place at the top of the TT model line, including high gloss black diamond-patterned Singleframe® grille and large front air inlets, fixed rear wing spoiler, oval exhaust pipes, rear diffuser, unique 19-inch rotor wheels and more. It comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, and available adaptive headlights. The interior also features RS-exclusive appointments, such as the contoured three-spoke sport multifunction steering wheel, aluminum door sills with the RS logo, and RS-specific interior door handles.

The Audi TT RS offers electronic features one expects from Audi, including Audi concert radio with single CD player and MP3 reading capability, and a complimentary three-month subscription to SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. Available advanced electronics offer an increased level of sophistication for the premium sports car, including technologies like Audi navigation plus with real time traffic, MMI® inspired controls, a BOSE® sound system, and Audi music interface.

But the specific appeal of the Audi TT RS – and the rest of the Audi RS line – is performance and handling.

“Superb brakes and handling go right along with the magnificent power from the 2.5-liter turbo, especially the low end torque,” Istook noted. “It reminds me of the mid 80's when we raced the original 5 cylinder turbo Audi Quattro. What is great, though, is that I get all of that, yet I have the refinement, sophistication and technology of a truly modern sports car."

| Audi

New logistic center for Audi with automated storage

In recent years Audi has launched production of more new cars than ever in Neckarsulm: six new models have come off the line at the site since the beginning of 2010. But more cars also means more parts. To meet demand, a new logistics center costing roughly €34 million has been built, where the handling of small load carriers can now be automated and performed ergonomically.

“The new building provides us with the security we need to ensure the supply of parts,” said Dieter Braun, Head of Plant Logistics at the Neckarsulm site. The many production starts and numerous model variations has nearly doubled the number of small load carriers in Neckarsulm since 2008, and that will continue to increase. An average of 1,300 containers will be handled each hour in the new automated small load carrier storage facility, known as the AKL.

The building is designed to conserve resources and is equipped with the latest environmental technology. For instance, waste heat from the utility supply buildings within the plant premises provides heating for the AKL building. Intelligent systems in the storage and retrieval devices – such as recuperation and drive switch-off – also help save energy. “It’s a good investment in the future,” Braun emphasizes. “We can cut up to 500 tons of CO2 per year this way.”


Construction of the new Hall A10 began in September 2009. The new logistics center was built on a 12,000 square meter (129,166.93 square foot) area in the east section of the company premises. Operation of the new logistics center was launched by Operational Logistics in October 2010. Employees in Logistics trained intensively in advance so they could adapt to the new process. This included technical system training with the equipment, operation of the lifting tables and instruction in ergonomics. During the phase leading up to the launch of the facility, which lasted several weeks, they supported the relocation from the manual storage facility into the automated facility and then supported the facility’s start-up phase. About 140 employees work in the new building.

The central incoming goods department for the entire site is now located at the edge of the premises. There, truck drivers unlock the gate with a chip and drive into a secure area that contains four parking spaces for unloading. 12 experienced employees at three control stations inspect the incoming goods, enter the new items or file claims for any incorrect deliveries.

Four robots lift most of the containers that need to be stored from the pallets directly onto the conveyor belt. The remaining material is received by the logistics technicians on adjustable lifting tables. “The employees used to have to place the containers into the shelves by hand,” explained Andrea Barth, Head of the new AKL center. “Today the workflow is much more ergonomic and more productive as well.”

The small containers, which might contain items such as control units, are stored by fully automated loops in the 19.5-meter high-bay racking units until they are needed. 15 fully automated rack feeders drive up to the 160,000 storage slots. The containers remain there for several days and are removed according to the first in, first out principle (FIFO). “The equipment is intelligent; it stores containers of the same stock at various locations so that if complications arise, there is no interruption in production,” Barth said.

The team is particularly proud of the fact that supply has been running smoothly with the new equipment since it began operating. Around the clock, the AKL center supplies all Neckarsulm production lines, which range from the A4 sedan, the A5 Cabriolet, and the A6 and A7 model ranges, all the way to the top Audi A8 and R8 models. The loop distributes the containers from the system on a rack trolley. They are placed in the trolleys, already in the correct order for delivery.

| Audi

Audi new entries for 2012 model year: A6, A7, A8 L W12, TT RS and R8 GT

Audi of America, Inc. today introduced its 2012 model year lineup led by five new models.

Following the launch of the award-winning Audi A8 flagship model, the brand introduces the pinnacle of the A8 model line with the new A8 L W12. The powerful 12-cylinder engine accelerates with ease and offers incredible refinement. The interior provides an unmistakable experience for rear-seat passengers through executive seating and impressive technology for the progressive business owner or executive.

The all-new, beautifully designed A7 defines a new category of luxury vehicle through its coupe roofline and functional rear hatch. The distinctive design, technology and balanced performance of the new A6 invigorates the mid-sized luxury sedan segment. The Audi A8 and Q7 are updated with the available Audi connect system, which provides the 3D terrain and topology of Google Earth™, Google™ Local Search and a Wi-Fi® hotspot for up to eight passenger devices. The arrival of the unmistakable Audi TT RS signifies the re-launch of RS performance models for the Audi brand in the U.S., while the R8 GT captivates collectors and enthusiasts alike. Several other models have received option package changes designed to provide greater value.

| Audi

Audi and San Francisco Mayor Lee and Union Square Business Improvement District inaugurate Powell Street Promenade

Audi of America joined San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and formally opened Powell Street Promenade — a new and innovative pedestrian space in the heart of San Francisco’s downtown as part of a partnership between the City & County of San Francisco, and the Union Square Business Improvement District (BID).

The Powell Street Promenade has transformed two blocks between Ellis and Geary Streets, along the famed Powell Street cable car line, addressing overcrowding by creating an enjoyable public space to eat, chat and relax. It also provides visitors and residents with a comfortable place to plan their visit out of the bustle of the corridor. This vibrant pedestrian corridor is one of the busiest in the nation and is typically traveled by more than 100,000 people on an average weekend. The Powell Street Promenade is the largest ‘Parklet’ installation in the City.



“Audi is taking its passion for efficiency and sustainability even further with its involvement in the revitalization of Powell Street in San Francisco,” said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer for Audi of America. “This is an exciting and important project for the people of San Francisco and as a global hub of art and aesthetic, it seemed only natural that Audi – who remains steadfast in its commitment to progressive design and innovation – partner with the City of San Francisco to re-imagine this iconic area.”

Audi of America partnered with the City & County of San Francisco and the Union Square BID to provide the necessary funds and guidance on the cutting-edge and modern design of the Powell Street Promenade. Designed by Walter Hood of Hood Design Studio, the overall aesthetic of the promenade is guided by a forward-thinking, people-friendly, environmentally-conscious philosophy. By repurposing the on-street loading lanes along these two blocks of Powell Street, the Promenade provides six additional feet of continuous pedestrian space and adds amenities such as custom designed aluminum benches, planters, tables, rails, landscaping, bike parking, and other pedestrian-friendly features. Low-energy Light Emitting Diodes (LED) lights will illuminate the space through power collected from solar panels. All landscaping is drought tolerant and materials used are designed to be long-lasting and reusable. People utilizing this Promenade will also have access to free Wi-Fi; which was installed as part of the project. Audi used the same principles that define the brand’s innovative approach to car making throughout this process. The Union Square BID will maintain the Promenade and keep it clean and activated.

Additional details can be found at www.progressonpowell.com. Audi and its San Francisco advertising agency Venables Bell & Partners worked closely to bring the project to life.

| Audi

The Audi A1 e-tron wins Silvretta Electric Car Rally

Audi is this year’s overall winner of the second Silvretta Electric Car Rally in Austria’s Montafon region. The 2011 victory of the A1 e-tron follows the R8 e-tron’s win last year. The second Audi in the rally, a
Q5 HFC with a fuel cell finished in sixth place. A total of 32 electric vehicles were evaluated.

After three days, 307 kilometers and a total altitude difference of 11,541 meters, the A1 e-tron bearing the number 206 was named the winner of the second Silvretta Electric Car Rally Montafon. The event took place from July 7-9 as part of the 14th Silvretta Classic. The name Silvretta refers to a group of mountains in the eastern Alps of Austria. The Audi A1 e-tron won against 31 competitors in a rally, that was held on highly taxing mountain roads with inclines up to 15 percent, presenting a special challenge to electric vehicles. The Audi Q5 HFC, which was also entered by Audi, achieved sixth place. This was the best final result of all cars with a fuel cell.



The A1 e-tron contains technology that Audi’s development engineers are using to study the mobility requirements for such a future-oriented concept. The technological basis includes an electric motor with a maximum output of 75 kW that is powered by a lithium-ion battery. The battery features a 12 kWh capacity and can be completely charged in 30 minutes (quick charge), or in less than three hours (standard charge). It offers a range of 50 kilometers. To prevent drivers from being stranded by an empty battery, the A1 e-tron also comes equipped with a combustion engine, which can charge the battery as needed. The one-disc rotary engine (254 cc) is located under the trunk floor; it provides 15 kW of output intended solely to charge the battery, rather than to directly power the wheels.

The A1 e-tron is designed with a local emission-free electric drive system, which is ideally suited for driving in a city.


During the rally the A1 e-tron was driven by Franciscus van Meel, Head of Electromobility Strategy at AUDI AG. Long-time Audi employee Gerhard Gruber took on the important role of co-driver. “Sending an electric car into the Alps is one of the toughest challenges you can present it with. The fact that the A1 e-tron proved so impressive here is especially gratifying to me and it proves we’re on the right track with our electric mobility approach of combining an electric motor with a combustion engine . Many thanks to our dedicated team for making our second overall victory in a row possible,” said van Meel after crossing the finish line.

Van Meel then went on to describe the rally itself: “On the first day we drove cautiously and despite a distance of just over 100 kilometers we finished with a lot of electricity left in the battery. On the second day we were better prepared and we were able to win the day; on day three we came in second, and in the end that was enough to win the overall victory. The car ran flawlessly. We’re now looking forward to the 2012 rally. We already have a few ideas about the kind of concepts we’ll enter with, of course.”




| Audi

Princing for 2012 MY Audi TT RS

Audi of America today announced pricing for the much anticipated Audi TT RS. The 2012 TT RS is the pinnacle of the TT model line, and signifies the return of the RS nameplate to the U.S. The RS nameplate represents the highest performance category for Audi vehicles, and reflects the technical competencies gained through Audi motorsports successes. The Audi TT RS will be priced at $56,850 (excluding destination charges, taxes, title, options and dealer charges).

The Audi TT RS is powered by the award-winning 2.5 liter turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI engine that generates 360 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque between 1,650 and 5,400 rpm for power on demand. All engine components have been designed to cope with extreme loads and the demands of a thoroughbred sports engine. Forged six-bearing crankshaft, weight optimized connection rods, sodium cooled exhaust valves and lightweight pistons with specifically adapted ring assembly are indicative of the elements engineered into the TT RS.




The combination of FSI® injection and a high-efficiency turbocharger result in optimum combustion, superior power and rapid buildup of boost pressure even at low speeds. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive is standard. An automatic transmission is not available for the TT RS. The Audi TT RS accelerates from 0 – 60 mph in only 4.1 seconds, making it the fastest in its class.

Audi magnetic ride is standard on the TT RS, which allows the suspension characteristic to be actively altered; the driver benefits as the system constantly adapts to the current driving situation. A sport mode stiffens the magnetic ride, enhances throttle responsiveness, and activates a more striking engine sound via flaps in the exhaust system.

The aluminum and steel hybrid ASF® technology also found on the TT and TTS models, reduces weight while helping increase rigidity and safety. The coupe space frame is made up of 69% aluminum and 31% steel which makes it 48% lighter than a full steel frame. The ASF technology allows the TT RS to weigh a respectable 3,306 lbs. The Audi TT RS offers excellent aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.32 due to its optimized silhouette and smooth vehicle underbody.


The Audi TT RS features exclusive design elements denoting its special place at the top of the TT model line. The high gloss black diamond-patterned Singleframe® grille and large front air inlets give notice of the vehicles performance, as does the fixed rear wing spoiler that provides increased down force. Oval exhaust pipes, rear diffuser, unique 19” rotor wheels, prominent body sills and exterior mirror housings in matte aluminum finish round out the RS-specific design elements.

The interior of the Audi TT RS also features RS-exclusive appointments, such as the contoured 3-spoke sport multifunction steering wheel, aluminum door sills with the RS logo, and RS-specific interior door handles. Other interior features include 10-way power sport front seats with three-step heating, leather seat coverings, brushed aluminum interior inlays, and available LED ambient lighting.

The Audi TT RS offers electronic features one expects from Audi, including Audi concert radio with single CD player and MP3 reading capability, and AM / FM / SAT radio with a complimentary 3-month subscription to SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. Available advanced electronics offer an increased level of sophistication for the premium sports car, including technologies like Audi navigation plus with real time traffic, MMI® inspired controls, a BOSE® sound system, and Audi music interface.

The 2012 Audi TT RS is a unique car that will appeal to Audi enthusiasts and performance vehicle purists alike. The Audi TT RS goes on sale this summer.


Specifications

ENGINE:
Type: 2.5 liter turbocharged, in-line five-cylinder, spark-ignition engine with TFSI direct injection, four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts [DOHC], turbocharger with intercooler.
Arrangement: Front mounted, transverse
Bore: 3.25 in (82.5 mm)
Stroke: 3.65 in (92.8 mm)
Displacement: 151 / 3.25 / 3.65 (2480 / 82.5 x 92.8)
Compression ratio: 10:01
Fuel: Unleaded Super, 95 RON (unleaded regular, 91 RON, as an alternative with slight reduction in performance)
Horsepower (SAE): 360 hp @ 5,500 - 6,700 rpm (265 kW)
Max. torque: 343 lb-ft @ 1,650 - 5,400 rpm (465 Nm)

ENGINE DESIGN:
Cylinder block: Cast iron
Cylinder head: Aluminum
Valve train / intake: DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:
Battery: 380 amp, 80 amp/hr
Alternator: 140 amp

DRIVETRAIN:
Transmission: 6-speed manual, fully synchronized
Gear ratios:
1st 3.570
2nd 2.160
3rd 1.890
4th 1.430
5th 1.160
6th 0.097
Reverse 4.500

STEERING:
Type: Eletromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assistance
Ratio: 16.9 : 1
Turns (lock-to-lock): 2.9
Turning circle
(curb-to-curb): 35.96 ft (10.96 m)

SUSPENSION:
Front: MacPherson strut (gas charged) with aluminum 3-point lower control arm, aluminum sub frame, tubular anti roll bar, track stabilizing steering roll radius
Rear: Four-link rear suspension with separate spring/shock absorber arrangement

BRAKES:
Service brake: Dual-circuit brake system with diagonal split, ESC, hydraulic brake assistant, front and rear disc brakes ventilated
Front size: 14.6 in (370 mm)
Rear size: 12.2 in (310 mm)
Parking brake: Mechanically actuated at the rear wheels

WHEELS (standard only):
Size: Aluminum, 9Jx19

TIRES (standard only):
Size: 255/35 R19 Y

BODY:
Material: Hybrid ASF construction: Lightweight construction concept, which is a mixed construction using aluminum and steel
Corrosion protection: Multi-step anti-corrosion protection

CAPACITIES:
Engine oil: 6.9 qt (6.5 l)
Fuel tank: 15.90 gal (60 l)

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 97.2 in (2,468 mm)
Track front / rear: 61.2/ 60.9 in (1,555/ 1,546 mm)
Overall length: 165.3 in (4,198 mm)
Overall width: w/o mirrors 72.5 in (1,842 mm)
Height: 53.1 in (1,348 mm)
Curb weight, quattro: 3306 lb (1500 kg)
Drag coefficient: 0.32

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS:
Seating capacity: 2 + 2
Head room
front / rear: 37.7/ 32.6 in (957/ 829 mm)
Shoulder room
front / rear: 53.2/ 47.5 in (1,352/ 1,206 mm)
Leg room
front / rear: 41.1/ 29.3 in (1,044/ 743 mm)
Int. vol. (EPA)
front / rear: 47.7/ 26.2 cu ft
Luggage capacity
standard / seats folded: 13.1/ 24.7 cu ft (290/ 700 l)

PERFORMANCE:
0-60 mph 4.1
Top speed 174 mph

EFFICIENCY/ENVIRONMENT:
EPA estimate:
City mpg: Not available at present time
Highway mpg: Not available at present time
Combined mpg: Not available at present time

| Audi

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