Audi Driving Efficiently
As known, Audi is consistently pressing forward to improve fuel economy and CO2 emissions of their cars. Audi’s modular efficiency platform combines reduced consumption with great driveability and outstanding sportiness.
The new technologies they are implementing are:
- On-board computer with the efficiency program, an addition to the Audi Driver Information System. All consumption-related data appear in the center display, with recommendations for efficient driving – after all, up to 30 percent of fuel consumption depends on the individual driving style. The efficiency program continuously analyzes the energy consumption in the vehicle and gives the driver up-to-date tips for saving fuel, depending on the driving situation and driving style. The newly designed gearshift indicator signals to the driver when to shift, for optimal fuel economy: A large and color-coded display indicates whether the right gear is engaged, or whether shifting would be practical for the sake of efficiency. Comfort features like air conditioning and seat heating also increase fuel consumption. A specially developed display in the efficiency program identifies the systems requiring extra energy and indicates their share in fuel consumption.
- Start-stop system realizes its efficiency potential especially in urban traffic, significantly reducing consumption while relieving the driver: The system shuts down the engine once the car has come to a stop, the gear lever stands at idle and the driver releases the clutch pedal. Operating the clutch then starts up the engine again. The start-stop system is extremely quiet, convenient to operate, and fast: The engine returns to idle speed while the driver is shifting gears. Audi combines the start-stop system with efficient battery technology and sophisticated energy management, to maintain functioning even at low temperatures. The system is inactive during the warm-up phase of the engine, so that the engine oil becomes warmer and the exhaust gas cleaning systems reach their operating temperature faster. The driver can also switch off the start-stop system at any time by pressing a button. In the standardized driving cycle the start-stop system lowers fuel consumption by about 0.2 liters per 100 km, and therefore reduces CO2 emissions by around 5 g/km.
- Energy recovery system, witch feeds energy back into the vehicle’s electrical system during deceleration phases. The energy recovery system already uses deceleration phases to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. When the car accelerates again, the battery directs the temporarily stored energy back into the vehicle, to relieve the alternator and thereby save fuel.
The modular efficiency platform focuses on the further development of powertrain and transmission technologies, and the recovery and storage of mechanical, thermal and electrical energy. Audi also employs a host of measures to minimize driving resistance and optimize aerodynamics. These benefits are made tangible for the driver by a range of innovative assistance systems, with the standard specification of many current Audi models already featuring numerous efficiency technologies such as the Audi valvelift system, high-efficiency transmission and tires with optimized rolling resistance.
By 2012 Audi plans to lower the fuel consumption of its model range by 20 percent compared with the 2007 level. The brand will then have further enhanced its sporty and progressive profile, for efficiency and sportiness are inextricably linked at Audi.
