The Audi exhibits at CeBIT

As the world’s largest and most important IT trade fair, CeBIT is an attractive platform for showcasing innovations. Audi will use its trade-fair stand in Hanover to present its Audi connect strategy and all the technology behind it. Exhibits and Audi vehicles will enhance this message. One CeBIT highlight will be the new Audi A3: a sporty three-door car which embodies the brand’s technological expertise on the streets.

The model of the new Audi A3’s interior boasts innovative series-production solutions such as a rotary pushbutton with integrated MMI touch, as well as the modular infotainment platform featuring a new Nvidia processor. Audi will use the A7 Sportback to demonstrate opportunities for data transfer made possible by LTE, the next-generation mobile communications standard. Other exhibits will introduce futuristic solutions for mobile IT applications. Moreover, the brand will present the Audi Urban Future Initiative at CeBIT.

The Audi A3
The Audi A3 is the brand’s new, premium compact car. This sporty three-door car transports to the road the brand’s synergetic expertise concerning ultra lightweight design, drivetrains, infotainment, chassis configurations and assistance systems.

At 4.24 meters (13.91 ft) in length, its progressive design allows the A3 to exude a powerful identity. Its wheelbase has grown to 2.60 meters (8.53 ft); the bold C pillar slopes like that of a coupe. The large single-frame radiator grille dominates the front. Audi optionally offers headlights featuring xenon plus technology with LED daytime running lights; in this case, the taillights likewise contain light-emitting diodes.

Audi’s unwavering commitment to the ultra lightweight principle ensured that the basic version of the new A3 weighs just 1,175 kilograms (2,590.43 lb) – a full 80 kilograms (176.37 lb) lighter than its predecessor and far better than the competition. Its body integrates a high percentage of ultra-high-strength steels; the front fenders and the engine hood are made of aluminum. And the vehicle’s drag coefficient of just 0.29 also contributes to the trailblazing efficiency.

The interior of the new Audi A3 impresses with its discreet styling, outstanding build quality and excellent ergonomics. At the front of the slender cockpit is a decor fascia, which can be illuminated if desired. Four round air vents, the air conditioner’s elegant control panel and the instrument cluster represent additional highlights.

The driver information system’s color screen (which is standard in the higher-value Ambition and Ambiente equipment lines) portrays images in high-resolution 3D.

The electrically telescoping MMI monitor – measuring 7 inches diagonally in the top-of-the-line version – is a mere 11 millimeters thick, reminiscent of an elegant smartphone. A new electromechanical handbrake creates room on the console atop the center tunnel for the terminal of the optional MMI operating system. On the full-fledged MMI navigation plus, the cap of its rotary pushbutton is rendered as a touchpad. The driver can write letters or numbers with their finger, as in the larger Audi model lines.

Audi has made the Attraction, Ambiente and Ambition equipment lines available for the new A3. They vary as regards exterior and interior details as well as the respective scope of options. The designers have created attractive colors and materials for all versions. Customers can choose from a number of convenient and sporty options including adaptive light, the convenience key and the panoramic glass roof.

Yet another engineering field in which the new Audi A3 underscores its prowess concerns the new high-performance driver-assistance systems. Technologies include adaptive cruise control, Audi side assist, Audi active lane assist, traffic sign recognition, the park assist system and the Audi pre sense basic safety system. No other automotive manufacturer offers a comparable portfolio.

As for infotainment, there is an entire set of components backed up by an innovative modular architecture. Components include a Bang & Olufsen sound system and MMI navigation plus. The latter is complemented perfectly by the Bluetooth online car phone with WLAN hotspot. It enables passengers to surf the Internet and e-mail while providing the driver with tailored Audi connect online services.

The new Audi A3 is being launched with three four-cylinder engines, all of which have been fundamentally overhauled. The two TFSI units and the TDI engine, respectively, deliver 90 kW (122 hp), 132 kW (180 hp) and 110 kW (150 hp) of output from a displacement of 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0 liters. Compared with its predecessor model, the new A3 is considerably more fuel-efficient.

A seven-speed S tronic is standard with the 1.8 TFSI; the 1.4 TFSI and the 2.0 TDI are each paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Irrespective of configuration, the engine’s power flows to the front wheels. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, as well as more engines, will be added in coming months.

The chassis of the new A3 offers sporty driving pleasure paired with great comfort and superb stability. The power-steering system features an electromechanical drive for high efficiency. The electronic stabilization program (ESP), which integrates the electronic limited slip differential, makes handling even smoother and safer at the vehicle’s cornering limit.

The Audi drive select system (standard in the Ambition equipment line) allows the driver to modify settings for key components. This system also controls the optional adaptive dampers and uses Audi magnetic ride technology. The wheels range in size from 16 to 18 inches in diameter. The new Audi A3 will go on sale in June.

The Audi A7 Sportback
The five-door Audi A7 Sportback, 4.97 meters (16.31 ft) long, combines the elegance of a coupe with the comfort of a sedan and utility of an Avant. Its body consists of around 20 percent lightweight aluminum, which makes a crucial contribution towards its low base weight of 1,695 kilograms (3,736.84 lb). As an option, Audi can deliver headlights in progressive LED technology. The cargo space under the long trunk lid has a capacity of 535 liters (18.89 cu ft), and when the rear seatbacks are folded down it grows to 1,390 liters (49.09 cu ft).

The interior of the Audi A7 Sportback continues the taut sportiness of the exterior. Here, each and every detail documents the care with which Audi builds its cars. High-end materials appeal to the senses, and sophisticated ambient lighting is available upon request. A wealth of individual solutions is available in the Audi exclusive program. The front seats offer optional ventilation and massage functions, and the five-door coupe delivers impressive comfort and a smooth driving experience.

Audi offers the A7 Sportback with a choice of five V6 engines: two gasoline and three TDI units. They cover a power range from 150 kW (204 hp) to 230 kW (313 hp) and their efficiency is impressive. They transfer their power to either the front wheels or all four wheels via a variable multitronic, an S tronic with seven gears or an eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

The quattro drivetrain with torque vectoring works flexibly and dynamically; an optional sport differential actively distributes power between the rear wheels. The Audi A7 Sportback rides on wheels with 18 to 20 inch diameters, and their wheel control arms are made of aluminum. The electromechanical power steering system contributes to the vehicle’s excellent fuel economy. Dynamic steering, which adapts its steering gear ratio to vehicle speed, will follow shortly. Audi drive select is standard; it can be supplemented by an optional adaptive air suspension with damping control.

One of the most attractive optional features of the Audi A7 Sportback is its head-up display. The MMI touch system combines a hard-drive-based navigation system with the convenience of touchpad input. Audi’s entire line-up of assistance systems and Audi connect technologies are available as options in the A7 Sportback.

The equipment, data, and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.