Vehicle exchange between Ducati Chief Test Driver Alessandro Valia and Jaan Mattes Reiling, Technical Project Manager of the Audi e-tron GT model family. Lively discussion among experts regarding the fascination and safety of motorcycles and electric cars. In addition to state-of-the-art technology, top models convey quality and a substantial dose of emotion.
Both models are real eye-catchers. The prototype for the e-tron GT family and the Ducati Panigale V4 R equally embody sporty-elegant design as well as pure performance. With their unique characteristics, Audi’s electric Gran Turismo and the uncompromising motorcycle primarily designed for the racetrack from the Italian Borgo Panigale, are the pinnacle of technology and passion.
Certainly, these two flagship models leave no enthusiast of mobility indifferent. This also applies to the two men who played a crucial role in the development of the prototypes for the new e-tron GT family and the Ducati Panigale V4 R – Jaan Mattes Reiling, Technical Project Manager at Audi in Neckarsulm, and Alessandro Valia, Chief Test Rider and Developer at Ducati. It's no surprise that, after taking each other’s models for an exclusive spin at the Audi Sport GmbH in Neuburg, both agree on the performance as well as the manageability of the vehicles. Audi specifically provided Test Chief Valia with the prototype of the optimized e-tron GT quattro for the occasion. Alessandro Valia: Both models undoubtedly have a substantial amount of power and both meet the prerequisites to safely deliver this power to the road.
Audi R8 LMS with GT3 podium results on three continents Good weekend for the Audi customer teams in the GT4 and TCR classes Audi RS Q e-tron to be admired up close in Wolfsburg
At the opening round of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS, the FAW Audi Sport Asia Racing Team set an exclamation mark with its first win of the season in difficult weather conditions. The GT4 and TCR models from Audi Sport also won several trophies in the hands of customers.
Audi R8 LMS GT3 Successes in Asia, America and Europe: Audi’s customer teams collected a total of six podium results in overall rankings on three continents. In the Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS, Congfu Cheng/Adderly Fong won the first race of the season in Sepang. They had qualified for pole position in the Audi R8 LMS from the FAW Audi Sport Asia Racing Team. A heavy downpour delayed the start by an hour. The Audi customer team then made a bold tire choice and opted for slicks. Cheng initially dropped back to fourth place on the wet track in the early stages, but subsequently made up two positions. Fong took over the cockpit at the pit stop, was initially in second place and, after an overtaking maneuver, ultimately prevailed by 2.1 seconds. As a result, the duo also won the Silver class and leads this category of the standings. In the second race, a team from Japan celebrated victory in the Am class. Hiroshi Hamaguchi and Mineki Okura won the amateur classification in an Audi from The Spirit of FFF Racing. They now lead the Am Cup. At the second GT America powered by AWS event, four podium results went to Audi customers. On the streets of Long Beach, Johnny O’Connell in the Audi R8 LMS from SKI Autosports was beaten by the winner by just 0.298 seconds in the first race. The Audi privateer driver had secured pole position ahead of James Sofronas and led for a long time until he lost his position in lapped traffic shortly before the end.
Carbon hood and fenders as well as 22-inch wheels in a distinctive design ensure high recognizability Adjustable coilover suspension, high-performance tires, and optimized quattro sport differential enhance the driving dynamics Only 660 units worldwide and heritage decals based on the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO guarantee exclusivity
The new AudiRS 6 Avant GT is the pinnacle of the model series. The special edition is packed with exclusive details for both the exterior and the interior. An impressive pass-through roof edge spoiler, redefined diffuser, and 22-inch wheels in a distinctive design underscore its top position in the model series. The interior features high-quality bucket seats, a fresh color combination, and individual numbering in the center console as exclusive accents. Lightweight adjustable coilover suspension unique to the RS 6 Avant GT and a reworked quattro sport differential on the rear axle sharpen the driving experience. The twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder engine in a V-layout has an output of 463 kW (630 PS) and delivers 850 Nm of torque from 2,300 to 4,500 rpm. Delivery of the AudiRS 6 Avant GT will begin in the second quarter 2024, the price starts at 219,585 euro.
Audi Design sets the course for coming generations of models Marc Lichte to take new role within the group Audi CEO Döllner: “Making ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ visible and tangible“
Massimo Frascella is the new Head of Audi Design. On June 1, he is scheduled to succeed Marc Lichte, who will take a new role within the group. Frascella, alumnus of the Istituto d`Arte Applicata & Design in Turin, began his career at Stile Bertone. Positions at Ford Motor Company and Kia followed. Since 2011, Frascella (52) held leading roles at Jaguar Land Rover, most recently as Head of Design for both brands.
Massimo Frascella: “Joining Audi is a very special moment for me. I am deeply honored to assume the role of Chief Creative Officer and to guide such a talented team in shaping the future of the brand to new heights of innovation and distinction. I believe in the emotional power of design to inspire, connect, and drive change, and I am here to nurture and promote creativity as the beating heart of our brand." Frascella’s philosophy: “Simplicity is the essence of my approach to design. I am passionate about creating designs that are free from superfluous ornaments and do not merely follow trends. Instead, we will rely on a timeless and sophisticated design language.” Together with Massimo Frascella, the company is now setting the course for the coming generations of Audi models. Over the coming years, multiple surges in technological innovation are set to decisively change shapes and functions across all vehicle segments. For this reason, Audi has recently restructured its design department to report directly to the Chairman of the Board of Management. Gernot Döllner sketches out his goal: “Design has always been part of the brand’s core, of the DNA of the Audi brand. That is why, especially during this phase of technological transformation, ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ must be visible and tangible in the interior and exterior of all coming series models.
Production of the upcoming fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron series, as well as all other vehicles built at the site, will be net carbon-neutral Audi Board Member for Production and Logistics Gerd Walker: “By transitioning the Ingolstadt site to renewable energies, we are taking a major step toward our goal of net carbon-neutral vehicle production” As part of the environmental program Mission:Zero, all Audi sites will be net carbon-neutral by 2025
The Audi plant in Ingolstadt began net carbon-neutral production on January 1, 2024. After Brussels (Belgium, 2018) and Győr (Hungary, 2020), it is the third Audi plant to operate with net zero emissions. In addition are the Audi R8 and e-tron GT quattro models, which have been built at Böllinger Höfe with net zero emissions since 2020. As part of its Mission:Zero environmental program, Audi has set itself the goal of achieving net carbon neutrality at all its sites worldwide by 2025. By then, the final steps will have been taken in Neckarsulm and San José Chiapa (Mexico).
Audi Board Member for Production and Logistics Gerd Walker emphasizes: “Protecting the environment as best as possible is firmly anchored in Audi’s corporate strategy. By transitioning the Ingolstadt site to renewable energies, we are taking a major step toward our goal of net carbon-neutral1 vehicle production.” To achieve its ambitious goal, the brand with the four rings is implementing a four-pillar concept.
1. Increasing energy efficiency In the first pillar, Audi is improving energy efficiency at its sites, which will already avoid large amounts of carbon emissions.
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar draws inspiration from a remarkable source: On the exterior, the lifted chassis and the optional decals of the special edition model, which is available in limited numbers throughout Europe, are reminiscent of the RS Q e-tron. It was designed for the Dakar Rally featuring an electric drive system and an energy converter. When evaluating the off-road capabilities of the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar, Carlos Sainz Senior, a two-time World Rally Champion and three-time Dakar winner, stands as one of the foremost experts. He is also a successful works driver in the Dakar Rally with the RS Q e-tron. Fermín Soneira Santos, head of the A- to C-segment electric model series, is equally qualified. Together they tested the off-road edition.
What do you both find fascinating about electric cars for off-road use? Carlos Sainz: First of all, it’s a great privilege for me to be part of the evolution of motorsport. Throughout its involvement in the sport, Audi has consistently pushed boundaries with its new technologies. A few years ago, I wouldn’t have believed an electric drive could compete in rallying. I’m fascinated that I’m now able to win special stages in the RS Q e-tron and hopefully finish the Dakar at the front of the pack. I’m impressed by the overall advantages of electric drive systems, such as the ability to use the right propulsion in every driving situation without having to change gears. Of course, the sustainability of the electric drive system in off-road use also convinced me. It’s a great experience to be part of this project and to help advance the technology.
For 55 years, AMAG/Audi and Swiss-Ski have been linked by common values such as power, efficiency, performance, sustainability and Vorsprung durch Technik For 55 years, AMAG/Audi and Swiss-Ski have been linked by common values such as power, efficiency, performance, sustainability and Vorsprung durch Technik Partnership extension announced for the next four years
AMAG has supported the Swiss-Ski Association as an automotive partner for 55 years. Audi has been a guarantee of safe transportation for the athletes since the introduction of the Audi quattro. To celebrate the anniversary, AMAG and Audi Switzerland, together with Swiss-Ski, invited guests to the Audi e-tron energy bar in Grindelwald, where former Federal Councillor Adolf Ogi, together with Helmut Ruhl, CEO AMAG Group, Dieter Jermann, Brand Director Audi Switzerland and Urs Lehmann, President Swiss-Ski, discussed the origins, present and future of this successful partnership. In addition, Moni Islam, Head of Aerodynamics/Aeroacoustics Development at AUDI AG, and skiing legend Didier Cuche gave exciting insights into their electrifying everyday lives.
AMAG/Audi and snow sports – two things that simply belong together, and have done so for 55 years already, which is equivalent to a platinum wedding anniversary. And platinum is not only the world's most durable and robust precious metal, it is also thirty times rarer than gold and thus far more valuable. It's hard to say whether this long-standing partnership is worth its weight in gold, but the figures are impressive. By way of example, since the partnership began in 1968, Swiss ski athletes have taken part in a total of 15 Olympic Games, winning 108 medals across all sports, not to mention a haul of 229 World Ski Championships medals. In the Alpine Ski World Cup, the pro skiers have achieved a total of 1,782 podium places, including 645 victories and ten gold medals in the Nations Cup.