PPE makes optimal use of the advantages of an all-electric drive architecture to improve interior space, efficiency and performance Powerful and highly efficient electric motors and newly developed high-voltage battery for an impressive range suitable for everyday use The new E3 1.2 electronics architecture brings vehicle digitalization to a new level
The Premium Platform Electric (PPE), developed jointly with Porsche, is a key component for the expansion of the global portfolio of all-electric Audi models. For Audi, it represents an important step in becoming a leading provider of sustainable premium mobility. For the next generation of electric vehicles from Audi, the company has redeveloped the electric motors, the power electronics, the transmission, as well as the high-voltage battery and all related components, and tailored them exactly to the requirements of battery electric vehicles.
What differentiates the electric motor for the PPE from the electric drive systems that have been used to date? All powertrain components for the PPE are designed to be even more compact than the drive systems developed and installed previously, and they stand out due to higher efficiency. In total, the efficiency measures around the new electric motors for the PPE enable 40 kilometers of extra range compared to the first-generation Audi e-tron. In the area of production, the degree of automation and the vertical range of manufacture have increased significantly. The new electric motors for the PPE require about 30 percent less installation space than those of previous electric models. Their weight has been reduced by about 20 percent. The PSM (permanent magnet synchronous motor) on the rear axle of the Audi Q6 e-tron series has a length of 200 millimeters. The ASM (asynchronous motor) on the front axle has a length of 100 millimeters. When not in use, it is able to rotate freely without significant drag losses.
made its world public premiere at the Auto China Beijing 2024 motor show. This new-generation Urus, the Urus SE – the first PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) luxury super SUV – features a new design; optimized aerodynamics; unprecedented on-board technologies; and a hybrid powertrain with an output of 800 CV, setting a new segment benchmark in terms of comfort, performance, efficiency, emissions and driving pleasure. The Revuelto, the first super sports V12 hybrid HPEV (High Performance Electrified Vehicle), is also being showcased, while the Huracán Tecnica, a rear-wheel drive super sports car powered by a V10 engine, is on display in the Ad Personam room.
Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini said, “It is a pleasure to present our latest achievements at this important event in the automotive industry. Twelve years ago, also here in Beijing, I was proud to present the Urus concept car to the world, which created a whole new segment of a super sports car in the body of an SUV. The Urus has become one of the most successful Lamborghini models since its launch, becoming our third pillar within the line-up and proving our far-sighted vision. Now we witness the evolution of the super SUV. As the most powerful SUV on the market, the new Urus SE is the next chapter of our success story, which also marks another significant step in our electrification plan ‘Direzione Cor Tauri’.”
At the Beijing Auto Show 2024, the brand with the four rings is presenting a tailored variant for the Chinese market - the Audi Q6L e-tron.
The electrically powered car will be shown as an exterior model at the spring motor show in the Chinese capital; the series version will then make its public debut in the fourth quarter of 2024. Like other PPE models for the Chinese market, the Audi Q6L e-tron will be locally produced in a new factory in Changchun. The first deliveries to customers will take place in 2025. The Audi Q6L e-tron is defined by impressive driving and charging performance, excellent efficiency, and an even greater range than the global model. The wheelbase, longer by 105 millimeters, also allows the installation of a larger battery. With it, CLTC ranges of more than 700 kilometers will be possible. The letter “L” in the name signals the long wheelbase, which is also becoming the hallmark of outstanding long-distance capability. Audi has been building “L” models with an extended wheelbase for the Chinese market for decades. The A6L and A4L are the best-known large-volume versions, alongside the Q5L, A8L, and A8L Horch. Now, Audi is adding the L model to the Q6 e-tron family - providing even more space, comfort, and everyday usability. Together with the new interior design philosophy, the Q6L e-tron is creating a very exclusive and generous space for passengers in the market. The Audi Q6L e-tron epitomizes Audi’s distinctive SUV design with consistently further developed e-tron-specific design language. The Audi Q6L e-tron differs from the global version, and this becomes apparent from the start. Above all, the redesigned front end, with an evolution of the Audi brand face, sets its own accents for the China-specific version. To accentuate the progressive and unique exterior design of the Q6L e-tron, exclusive colors will be available for this China-specific version. Lilac Grey, shown on the exterior model at the auto show in Beijing, is one of them.
The front and rear motor-generator units (MGU) and inverters for the axle drive remained unchanged in the chassis, as did the high-voltage battery at the heart of the drive and the fuel tank of the energy converter. Even the suspension uprights, which were exposed to extreme chassis forces, lasted the entire distance. On the fourth leg on January 9, the official route description from the organizer contained the note “very fast track” for the passage between the 66th and 95th kilometer of the route. The Audi engineers read out the data in the evening. They showed that the victorious Audi RS Q e-tron reached the permitted maximum speed of 170 km/h for 260 consecutive seconds (i.e. 4 minutes and 20 seconds). A remarkable value on pure off-road tracks. Such values are unthinkable on a classic racing circuit. Driving at this speed alone would require a straight of 12.28 kilometers, the run-up to this speed not included. The sixth stage in the “Empty Quarter” was in stark contrast to that. The mountain-like dunes dramatically lowered the average speed. On around 400 kilometers of dune chains, Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz only achieved an average speed of around 40 to 50 kilometers per hour. What sounds like a comfortable inner-city pace is in fact torture for the highly stressed electric drive system, the two gearboxes, the four drive shafts and the cooling systems. Energy consumption also skyrocketed on this terrain. The flawless and high-quality navigation of co-driver Lucas Cruz can be expressed not only in words of praise but also in figures. Up to the second last leg, Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz completed the shortest distances of all three Audi driver crews. Their efficiency in choosing the most effective route and minimizing navigation errors was awesome.
From a study to a successful production model The Audi Q7’s journey of success began in 2003 as a concept car called the Audi Pikes Peak quattro at the North American International Motor Show. Conceived as a vehicle suitable driving on all roads and moderate off-road use, the current Q7 – which has been delighting customers worldwide for 18 years – remains true to its virtues of design, technology, and functionality. The first SUV from the brand with the four rings was unveiled to the public at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), just in time for the 25th anniversary of the quattro permanent four-wheel drive with Torsen center differential (40:60 front/rear torque distribution). The new “superlative” in the SUV segment, as Audi put it at the launch of the Q7, combines poise, sportiness, and versatility. Since its launch, the Audi Q7 is seen as an all-rounder that combines high prestige with a wide range of applications. Its size is imposing, its appearance princely: With a length of more than five meters (16 ft), a wheelbase of around three meters (10 ft), room for seven people, and a luggage compartment volume of up to 2,035 liters, the first generation of the Q7 immediately became the flagship in the SUV segment. From 2008 to 2012, the Q7 V12 TDI took over the top spot – with its 500 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque, it surpassed all competitors across the entire SUV segment. The V12 TDI, built at the Bratislava plant, was also the first Audi to roll off the line with a ceramic braking system as standard. The gasoline engines on offer ranged from 272 to 350 PS, while the diesels had an output of up to 500 PS. From the start of production in 2006 to the end of production of the first generation in 2015, more than 550,000 customers opted for a first-generation Q7.
"The PPE shows how we are pooling expertise within the Volkswagen Group and thus making electric mobility scalable. Thanks to the PPE, we are able to launch high-volume models with high technical standards in different segments and thus further electrify our portfolio," the Audi CEO added. The flexibility of the PPE helps in giving the future models their independent character and the typical Audi DNA, despite shared technical underpinnings. The Q6 e-tron sets standards in terms of e‑performance, range, and charging. It embodies typical Audi SUV styling with a further refined e-tron design language and a high level of everyday usability. Thanks to the new E3 1.2 electronic architecture, the Q6 e-tron model series represents the technological spearhead of the Audi portfolio. Impressive range and charging performance Powerful, compact, and highly efficient electric motors, as well as a newly developed lithium-ion battery consisting of twelve modules and 180 prismatic cells with a total gross capacity of 100 kWh (94.9 net) ensure a range of up to 625 km (388 mi). The new Audi Q6 e-tron ensures the sporty performance Audi is known for with a system output of 285 kW (power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 19.6-17.0 (WLTP); CO2 emissions in g/km combined: 0; CO2-class A) and the SQ6 e-tron with a system output of up to 380 kW when the extra function is engaged (power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 18.4-17.5 (WLTP); CO2 emissions in g/km combined: 0; CO2-class A) thus set standards in terms of performance, range, charging, driving dynamics, and design. At market launch, two model variants with all-wheel drive will be available, followed – depending on the market - by particularly efficient models with rear-wheel drive designed for range, which will also mark the entry into the Q6 e-tron series.
Audi is building the electric motors for the premiere Premium Platform Electric (PPE) model in Győr, Hungary. In this interview, Siegfried Schmidtner, plant manager in Ingolstadt, and Alfons Dintner, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi Hungaria, discuss the collaboration between the two sites, the mood among employees in the light of the company’s ongoing transformation, and the future prospects for Ingolstadt and Győr.
Mr. Schmidtner, what’s the attitude of the workforce in Ingolstadt toward the upcoming shift to electric mobility? Siegfried Schmidtner: Our employees are key to the transformation; I observe daily that they are incredibly positive and motivated by the shift. There is a palpable sense of optimism. We’ve been working hard to prepare for the transformation to electric mobility – so we’re ready to get going. Electric mobility represents a tremendous opportunity for Ingolstadt. We will be the pioneer for the Premium Platform Electric and the new E3 electronics architecture. We’re proud to play a vital role in shaping the company’s transformation. What challenges do Győr and Ingolstadt face in view of the impending changes? Alfons Dintner: Győr has been manufacturing for 30 years. The site has successfully handled numerous model launches, so it is prepared for the transformation, the changeover, and the zeitgeist. The people who work here have been with the company for a long time and are therefore very experienced. In addition, Audi Hungaria doesn’t only build engines but also entire vehicles. It has its own technical development department, in-house toolmaking shop and offers services to the whole Volkswagen Group. As a result, we have a unique responsibility within the Group because there is no other site that can provide such a broad range of services. This means transformation is nothing new for us. We have been developing, building, testing, and servicing electric drive systems since 2018.
The net battery size is 106 kWh (gross: 114 kWh) and the quattro drivetrain, with its two motors, delivers 300 kW in boost mode with a torque of 664 Nm. This means the vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.8 seconds with the standard tires. With the General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires, the car reaches 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The range according to the WLTP is up to 483 kilometers. The top speed is limited to 200 km/h (124 mph). Compared with the base model, the electric SUV with General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires has a higher ground clearance of 31 millimeters and is designed for improved handling on loose surfaces such as gravel and snow. In the base setting, the vehicle has a ground clearance of 206 millimeters. At higher speeds, the vehicle gradually lowers – by 15 millimeters at 85 km/h (53 mph), 17 millimeters at 100 km/h (62 mph), and 13 millimeters at 120 km/h (75 mph). This optimizes driving stability at high speeds for improved aerodynamics and range. In conjunction with the front angle approach of 20 degrees and the rear angle approach of 26 degrees, the electric SUV is well prepared to tackle light off-road terrain. The vehicle has a ramp angle of 19 degrees. The control strategy for the air suspension has also been revised to meet typical off-road driving requirements. The wading depth is 300 mm. Distinctive exterior accentuates sporty off-road look The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is available in Siam Beige metallic, Mythos Black metallic, and Magnetic Gray. The Singleframe always comes in body color. The Singleframe's projection light, along with its light strip, creates a consistent connection between the headlights. The Bottom Line is finished in Mythos Black metallic, adding stability.