“The Berlinale Open House Program provides the ideal hub for everyone who is fascinated by future perspectives from the fields of cinema, culture, business and society, and who wants to experience new event formats,” says Hubert Link, Head of Marketing Deutschland at AUDI AG. The interplay of technological and social innovations, the language of light as a medium of design, and the wide range of topics around connectivity are just some of the themes that will be discussed with high-profile experts and a variety of guests. The think-tank Audi Denkwerkstatt Berlin, for example, along with other experts is putting the spotlight on the development of prototypes in the fields of film and mobility. The UN climate ambassador and Audi Formula E racing driver Lucas di Grassi will also speak on a panel about sustainability.

Alongside these talks and discussions, the program also includes an abundance of sensory and participative elements for visitors: with “electric yoga”, for example, they can refuel with new energy and start the day full of vigor. In the evenings, the glass pavilion becomes a magnet for music fans. A mix of DJs and live acts such as the scintillating artist Leopold, the indie/rock duo Gurr and techno beats from Tiefschwarz will ensure an electrifying atmosphere during the Berlinale Lounge Nights. The emotional highlight of the Berlinale, the awarding of the Golden and Silver Bears, will also be relayed live to the Audi Berlinale Lounge on Marlene-Dietrich-Platz. Nina Sonnenberg aka Fiva will be the moderator for this special evening in the Lounge. She is this year’s host of the Berlinale Open House program. The entire program in the Audi Berlinale Lounge, freely accessible to the public, can be seen at www.audi-berlinale.de/programm or www.berlinale.de/berlinaleopenhouse.

Carlo Chatrian, the new Artistic Director of the Berlinale, is delighted that “in the jointly conceived Berlinale Open House formats, current topics from the Berlinale program are addressed and linked to relevant cultural, business and social aspects.” He and Mariette Rissenbeek, the new Executive Director of the Berlin International Film Festival, will be driven in an Audi e-tron* to their many engagements before and during the eleven-day festival.

The Berlin International Film Festival is a forum where bold and unconventional film makers meet. They actively shape changing times and confidently chart new courses. With the Audi Short Film Award, the car manufacturer from Ingolstadt has promoted talented directors of short films since 2015. This award for experimental cinematic art, with prize money of €20,000, will be presented at the official Award Ceremony of the 70th Berlinale on 29 February. “In short films we often see the radically new approaches that are needed to push innovation ahead. This progressive attitude is reflected at Audi,” says Hubert Link. For the anniversary, a number of films that won the Audi Short Film Award will be screened in the Audi Berlinale Lounge: “Planet ∑” by Momoko Seto (2015), “Solar Walk” by Réka Bucsi (2018) and “Rise” by Bárbara Wagner and Benjamin de Burca (2019).

For the 70th anniversary, Audi has also designed the popular festival bag once again and produced 27,000 bags. For the first time, moreover, the Audi e-tron can be purchased as a model car in the Berlinale design in a limited edition in the festival shop and at Audi City Berlin.

Organizational notes
The Audi Berlinale Lounge is open to the public with free admission from 20 to 29 February.
The opening hours are:

• 20 February 7:00 pm-midnight
• 21, 22, 24-28 February 2:00 pm-midnight
• 23 February 3:00 pm-midnight
• 29 February 2:00-8:00 pm

Please refer to www.audi-berlinale.de/programm or www.berlinale.de/berlinaleopenhouse for the full program and further information about participating in the interactive formats.

All relevant press releases about Audi at the Berlinale can be found in the Audi Media Center: www.audi-mediacenter.com/de/berlinale-297

During the 70th Berlinale we will also make available up-to-the-minute photos of arrivals on the Red Carpet and events in the Audi Berlinale Lounge.

Consumption values of the models named above:
(Fuel consumption, CO2 emission figures, and efficiency classes given in ranges depend on the tire/wheel sets used)

Audi e-tron: 
Combined electric energy consumption in kWh/100 km: 24,3 - 21; Combined CO2-emissions in g/km: 0

Audi A8 TFSI e:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 2,6 - 2,5; Combined electric energy consumption in kWh/100km: 21,2 - 20,8; Combined CO2-emissions in g/km: 60 - 57

Audi A7 Sportback TFSI e:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 2,1 - 1,8; Combined electric energy consumption in kWh/100km: 18,1 - 16,6; Combined CO2-emissions in g/km: 48 - 40

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

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

“This victory for the Q3 Sportback** is extraordinary confirmation for us, especially since we already won last year with its close technical relative, the Q3**,” said Audi’s Head of Design, Marc Lichte, at the award ceremony, which took place today in Stuttgart. “Customers appreciate our concept of the compact premium SUV with a progressive exterior,” the Head of Audi Design added. “Its coupé-like roof line makes the Q3 Sportback appear considerably longer and thus makes it an elegant brother of the Q3.”

The “Best Cars” readers’ choice award, which “auto motor und sport” presented for the 44th time this year, is one of the most important competitions in the European automotive industry. More than 100,000 readers selected their favorites from 387 models in eleven categories. Each reader had two votes per category: one for the overall winner and one for the best imported model. The “compact SUVs/cross-country vehicles” category was the biggest category with 63 models, along with the large SUV category (also 63 models). The Audi Q3 Sportback won with 11.5 percent of the votes. Other Audi models on the podium: The A1 (“compact cars” category) won second place, and the A5 Sportback (“medium-size class”), the A8 (“luxury class”), and the e-tron (“large SUVs/cross-country vehicles”) each came third.

Fuel consumption of the models listed
(Fuel consumption, CO₂ emission figures, and efficiency classes given in ranges depend on the tires/wheels used as well as the selected equipment)

Audi Q3 Sportback
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (US mpg): 7.7–4.7 (30.5–50.0); Combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 174–123 (280.0–197.9)
Audi Q3
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (US mpg): 7.6–4.7 (30.9–50.0); Combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 174–124 (280.0–199.6)
Audi A1 Sportback
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (US mpg): 6–4.7 (39.2–50.0); Combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 137–107 (220.5–172.2)
Audi A8
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (US mpg): 11.4–5.7 (20.6–41.3); Combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 260–151 (418.4–243.0)
Audi e-tron
Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi): 24.3–21; Combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0

Article soure: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Pure emotion: the original thought

In a place where volcanoes once created a whole chain of islands and where there is a high level of volcanic activity, Audi is demonstrating the core of its DNA: the quattro drive. The fourth generation of the A3 will present itself in its most emotive form in the pristine landscape of São Miguel, where the spectacular Azores Rallye is held. The all-wheel drive in the compact model is the latest stage in the evolution of a successful technology. An electro-hydraulic multi‑plate clutch that is managed by a precisely tuned all-wheel software forms its core. Aside from providing the A3 with a maximum level of stability, grip, and driving pleasure, it is also extremely efficient. In interaction with the adaptive suspension and the progressive steering, this results in a sporty performance that impresses in tight winding roads and varied mountain and valley stretches in particular.

Intelligent regulation: the quattro drive in detail 

The clutch is located at the end of the prop shaft, in front of the rear axle differential – an installed position that benefits the axle load distribution in particular. Inside is a package of plates that operate in an oil bath. Its metal friction rings are arranged behind one another in pairs – one ring of each pair is rigidly meshed with the clutch housing, which rotates with the prop shaft; the other ring is meshed with the short output shaft to the rear axle differential.

Audi tailored the electronic torque distribution control specifically to suit the new A3 and integrated it in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. It takes the data of the suspension sensors into account and detects not only the driving condition and road properties but also the driving style. The control unit uses this data as a basis to calculate a torque distribution that provides optimum efficiency and passes the value on to the clutch. This is particularly efficient. 

The all-wheel drive distributes the torque with full variability between the front and rear axles. During normal driving operation, the majority of the engine’s power is transmitted to the front wheels. When driving off or when the front axle has little traction, the clutch diverts the torque at lightning speed: In this case, an electric axial-piston pump is activated, which applies up to 44 bar of hydraulic pressure to the clutch plates. The more the clutch plates are pressed together by this pump, the more drive torque is transmitted to the rear axle – the maximum is 100 percent. The clutch can already transmit part of the torque to the rear axle when the driver turns the steering wheel with a sporty driving style. As soon as the driver accelerates, the torque presses the A3 into the curve. During load changes, the distribution of torque allows precise turning into the bend, which further increases driving dynamics. 

Full control: the Electronic Stabilization Control 

The wheel-selective torque control, a software function of the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), is the icing on the cake when it comes to sporty characteristics. When the new Audi A3 drives through a curve at high speed, the program applies the brakes slightly to the two wheels on the inside of the curve. The difference in drive forces on both axles turns the car into the bend, allowing it to follow the steering angle precisely. This makes the handling even more agile, fluid, and safe.

The perceived response of the quattro drive is also changed in the three functional modes of the ESC. This allows the traction and driving stability to be adapted to the driver’s request. If the ESC has to regulate, its adjustments are gentle and virtually imperceptible. Maximum power transmission is ensured in ESC ON mode. This means that acceleration is safe and stable and performed with as little wheel slip as possible. By selecting Sport mode, the driver can drift on surfaces with a low coefficient of friction, such as snow, in a controlled, safe manner. The greater wheel slip in this case provides increased driving pleasure. In ESC OFF mode, the amount of possible wheel slip is nearly unlimited, allowing the Audi A3 to offer puristic handling characteristics. 

Variable in every situation: the progressive steering

Due to their design, conventional steering systems always require a compromise between sportiness and comfort. The electromechanical progressive steering in the new Audi A3 solves this conflict. Its toothed rack and pinion have a special shape and toothing. This results in different gear ratios depending on the steering angle. When the steering wheel is turned in heavily, it is smaller and the steering is very direct. This decreases the steering effort in urban traffic and while maneuvering and increases the level of comfort considerably. 

On curvy roads, the progressive steering increases the driving dynamics, allowing the A3 to offer an even sportier driving style. The steering wheel has to be turned just 2.5 times to get from end stop to end stop; the steering ratio in the center position is 14.3:1. The power assistance is in perfect harmony with this character and adapts to the driving speed. At low speeds, it is higher in order to enable easier maneuverability; as the speed increases, the power assistance is decreased continuously. This allows the driver to experience a calm, full steering feel even when driving at high speed on the highway.

The progressive steering is equipped with a highly efficient electromechanical drive that outputs power only when it is needed. It works together closely with various assist systems, such as the adaptive cruise assist, the collision avoidance assist, and the park assist.

New damper technology in the compact model: the adaptive suspension

Comfortably soft or sporty and taut? Both are possible with the suspension with adaptive damper control. Three damper characteristics ensure that the driver can experience the spread of the driving characteristics and enjoy particularly agile handling. Sensors measure the vertical acceleration of the body structure and the relative movement of the individual wheels in relation to it. The control unit processes its signal in a matter of milliseconds and adapts each damper to the condition of the road, the driving situation, and the driver’s requests in an individual and ongoing. The dampers include electromagnetically actuated valves that can be regulated extremely quickly and in a highly energy-efficient way. Depending on their position, they allow the hydraulic fluid to flow faster or slower, which changes the characteristics of the dampers between soft and hard.

The driver can switch the basic damper settings between the three modes of comfort, auto, and dynamic in the Audi drive select system. In doing so, the suspension increases the range between a soft rolling motion during smooth driving and with taut handling so that the driver gets an intense experience of the spread. In the case of a sporty driving style in curves, the dampers support the car and ensure that it does not dip as much when braking. This ensures that the wheels stay in closer contact with the road. 

A question of character: Audi drive select 

The Audi drive select system is the interface between the regulated suspension and drive systems and the driver. It can be switched between five modes – comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, and individual – via a physical button located near the gearshift or selector lever. If the driver selects the “individual” setting, they can freely specify their personal preferences to a great extent.

In every A3 model, Audi drive select varies the characteristics of the throttle response and steering assist. Depending on the equipment, the system also incorporates the S tronic, the quattro drive, and the suspension with damper control. It also influences comfort and safety systems such as the automatic air conditioning, matrix LED headlights, seat belt tensioner, and adaptive cruise control.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Audi Traffic Light Information consists of two functions: Green Light Optimized Speed Advisory (GLOSA) and Time-to-Green. GLOSA calculates the ideal speed for getting a “green wave”. For example, if the function indicates the applicable speed limit, the next traffic light will be reached at green. Drivers do not have to accelerate unnecessarily, they are not stressed, and they drive more safely. GLOSA can also suggest reducing speed gradually about 250 meters ahead of the traffic lights so that the driver and the cars behind reach the intersection when the lights turn to green. This reduces uneconomical stop-and-go traffic. 

If stopping at a red light is unavoidable, a countdown displays the seconds remaining until the next green phase begins (Time-to-Green). Drivers can relax, take their foot off the gas pedal and save fuel. A number of studies conclude that drivers move through cities more efficiently thanks to networked traffic lights. In a pilot project, Audi was able to reduce fuel consumption by 15 percent. 

“With Audi Traffic Light Information we wish to improve convenience for drivers, increase traffic safety and encourage an economical style of driving that looks ahead,” says Andre Hainzlmaier, head of development for Apps, Connected Services and Smart City at Audi. 
“To do this, we have to predict precisely how traffic lights will behave in the next two minutes. At the same time, exact forecasts are the biggest challenge. Most signals react variably to traffic volume and continuously adapt the intervals at which they switch between red and green.” 

Audi and its project partner Traffic Technology Services (TTS) have developed a complex analytical algorithm that calculates exact predictions from three sources: from the control program of the traffic signals; from the real-time data of the traffic computer, a combination of road-occupation cameras, detector strips in the road surface, data on approaching buses and trams, and buttons that pedestrians press; as well as from historical data. The forecast algorithm improves itself continuously and learns how, for example, the traffic volume changes in morning commuter traffic or at midday when children leave nurseries and schools. 

The Audi fleet plays a decisive part in optimizing the traffic light forecasts. “The cars send anonymized data when traffic lights are crossed to an Audi backend, which checks whether the actual crossings of traffic lights correspond to the forecast data. Only after this are the traffic lights cleared for the display in the car,” Hainzlmaier explains. 

In future the cities, too, will receive useful information about their traffic light infrastructure. The data show, for example, whether cars stop unusually often at a particular intersection or whether the average waiting time is comparatively long. “We aggregate the recorded data into reports that we will make available to the city authorities. Traffic lights can then be given more efficient phasing and traffic will flow better.”

Audi Traffic Light Information premiered in 2016 in Las Vegas. Today this V2I service is available at more than 10,000 intersections in North America, including some 2,000 in Manhattan/New York City and more than 1,600 around the US capital Washington D.C. Audi is also the world’s first automotive manufacturer to network its series-production models with city traffic lights.

Audi Traffic Light Information operates in all Audi e-tron, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q7 and Q8 models that have been produced since mid-July 2019 (the “2020 model year”). The pre-requisites are the Audi connect Navigation & Infotainment package and the optional camera-based traffic-sign recognition.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com