Audi Introduces New Technologies to Raise Efficiency in 2009 Models
Audi is adding a couple of new technologies to its modular efficiency platform to further boost efficiency. Starting in the second quarter of 2009, Audi will start equipping some of its vehicles with a start-stop system and will add an efficiency program to the vehicles’ on-board computers.
The modular efficiency platform is Audi’s program for improving the fuel consumption and lowering the emissions of its vehicles without affecting their sportiness or drivability. One item that is already on this platform is an energy recovery system, which recovers energy lost in braking and stores it back in the battery to reduce the load on the alternator.
To complement the energy recovery system, Audi will add start-stop technology to many of its vehicles. This technology is aimed at saving energy in an urban environment. When the driver comes to a stop, takes the car out of gear and lets his or her foot off the clutch, the engine will turn off to save fuel. The engine restarts when the driver presses the clutch again. The system only operates once the engine has warmed up and can be disabled by pressing a button on the dash. Audi doesn’t mention whether it plans to offer a version of the start-stop technology for its automatic transmission models as well.
A new efficiency program for the vehicles’ on-board computers is the second addition to the platform. The program displays all of the fuel consumption-related data on the center display along with recommendations for more efficient driving. Another part of the program is an improved gearshift indicator that tells the driver if the correct gear is selected and when to shift for the highest efficiency. The program even identifies energy-hungry accessories like air conditioning and heated seats and indicates their share in fuel consumption.
These two technologies are just some of the tools that Audi will use in its strategy to lower the fuel consumption of its model range by 20 percent by 2012 compared with the 2007 level. With the modular efficiency platform, Audi will continue to focus on developing powertrain and transmission technologies as well as minimizing mechanical, thermal and electrical energy loss.
