Tag Archives: Audi

Audi Unveils New EV Brand in China Without Its Iconic Four-Ring Logo

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A car’s identity can be attributed to two things – its overall design language, and the logo that sits on the front and back of it, allowing you to identify its ‘marque’. For decades, Audi’s identity could be traced back to the iconic four-ring logo on its front, coupled with its sporty-aggressive design language. Times, however, change, and Audi is embracing that change too. The company just unveiled its first China-specific EV brand in collaboration with SAIC Motor. Dubbed just ‘AUDI’, the brand eschews the four-ring logo for four capital letters, tying both to its German name as well as the way its partner’s name ‘SAIC’ is spelled.

The new brand was announced alongside an EV concept, built with a fast-charging 800V powertrain and two 760HP motors supplying energy to the car’s AWD platform. The car accelerates 0-60mph in just 3.6 seconds, despite its large frame, while, a 100 kWh gives the car a range of 434 miles on a full charge. Exclusive just to the Chinese market, the car is looking at an August 2025 launch, with a price of $42,000 USD.

Designer: Audi

Positioned as a fully electric Sportback, the AUDI E boasts a significant presence on the road with its dimensions: 4,870 mm in length, 1,990 mm in width, and 1,460 mm in height, with a generous 2,950 mm wheelbase. Two electric motors on the front and rear axles generate a thrilling 570 kW and 800 Nm of torque, ensuring the iconic quattro four-wheel drive feel. Performance enthusiasts will appreciate the AUDI E’s 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.6 seconds, and the brand promises that it drives with all the comfort and dynamism that fans expect from Audi.

The vehicles will be built on an Advanced Digitized Platform, a joint effort with SAIC that combines Audi’s premium design and engineering with SAIC’s technological prowess and understanding of Chinese consumer needs. This platform underpins the upcoming lineup, which will hit the market starting in 2025, targeting mid-size to full-size segments. With this collaboration, Audi’s commitment goes beyond creating cars—it’s about creating a distinctly localized driving experience that merges Audi’s luxury touch with China’s fast-paced digital landscape.

At the core of the AUDI E is a 100-kWh battery that supports a range of 700 km (434 miles) on a full charge, measured according to CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) standards. This EV comes equipped with an innovative 800-volt architecture, making charging speeds incredibly fast. Imagine gaining more than 370 km (230 miles) of range in just 10 minutes at a rapid charging station. For users in China, these speeds add significant convenience to daily commutes and long journeys, transforming how they experience charging times and range anxiety.

Stepping inside, the cabin introduces a level of interactivity that blurs the line between digital and physical. The AUDI Assistant, an AI-driven avatar, takes center stage, handling touch and voice controls with effortless finesse. This assistant doesn’t just respond; it interacts with an intuitive design that adds a layer of emotion and feedback, creating an experience that feels like a dialogue. Meanwhile, seamless smartphone integration enables users to bring their digital lives on the road with ease, a must-have for today’s hyper-connected audience.

While the new brand aligns itself with Audi’s established reputation, the rebranding feels like a conscious step into a future defined by both global standards and local resonance. The new, ring-less identity signals Audi’s awareness of the unique needs and preferences of Chinese drivers, opening up a pathway to engage a younger, tech-driven customer base. Personally, the four-ring identity had a unique iconic appeal that transcended language barriers. With the new logo in English, it’s difficult to say if it’ll imprint on the Chinese audience, although I’m sure the German marque’s done a fair bit of planning in advance!

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All-new Audi A6 e-tron: A Bold Vision in Electric Vehicle Design

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The Audi A6 e-tron combines advanced technology with striking aesthetics. Both the exterior and interior reflect Audi’s dedication to precision and innovation. From the moment you see the A6 e-tron, its clean, sophisticated lines are evident. The design integrates functionality with a bold visual presence. Here’s a closer look at the details that make this vehicle a remarkable entry into the electric vehicle market.

Designer: Audi

The front design features Audi’s signature inverted single frame, encased in a sleek black mask. This design cleverly integrates the main headlights, ADAS sensors, and air intakes, creating a seamless and functional front end. The slim daytime running lights and wide grille give the A6 e-tron a broad, assertive presence on the road.

Audi S6 Sportback e-tron

The side profile of the A6 e-tron impresses with its dynamic roofline and low ride height, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and contributing to a sleek, sporty look. The prominent Quattro blisters over each wheel arch emphasize the car’s performance capabilities, giving it a powerful stance. A black insert along the sill area highlights the battery’s placement, stretching visually to the rear and integrating the reflectors for an extended appearance. For those who prefer a more traditional touch, the Avant model features a distinctive aluminum-look trim from the A-pillar to the roof spoiler, adding a unique and stylish element.

At the rear, the A6 e-tron combines sporty elegance with functional aerodynamics. A continuous three-dimensional light strip spans the vehicle’s width, housing the second-generation digital OLED rear lights. With 450 individual segments, these lights offer customizable light signatures and enhance road safety through car-to-X communication. The rear diffuser, designed for optimal aerodynamic performance, and the additional spoiler on the Avant model reduce drag and improve stability at high speeds.

Audi’s aerodynamic excellence shines in the A6 e-tron. The vehicle achieves a low drag coefficient (0.21 for the Sportback, 0.24 for the Avant) thanks to several key features. Air curtains at the front manage airflow around the wheels, reducing turbulence and drag. The slim greenhouse and sloping roofline contribute to a sleek profile that cuts through the air with minimal resistance. Underneath, the car’s underbody is extensively sealed and optimized, including specially adapted wheel trims and 3D bumps ahead of the front wheels to streamline airflow further.

The controllable cool-air intake under the Singleframe grille ensures efficient cooling while minimizing aerodynamic losses. The rear diffuser balances lift and drag, enhancing stability at high speeds. The Avant model includes an additional spoiler on the diffuser and side spoilers at the rear to manage airflow more effectively, contributing to its slightly higher drag coefficient than the Sportback but still maintaining impressive aerodynamic performance.

The second-generation virtual exterior mirrors, now with electrically foldable compact cameras, reduce the vehicle’s front area and improve the drag coefficient. These mirrors enhance the car’s sleek look and provide a practical benefit by lowering aerodynamic drag.

 

Inside, the A6 e-tron continues to impress with a user-focused design. The digital stage concept features a panoramic display, blending a 14.5-inch MMI touch display with an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit. An optional 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display offers Active Privacy Mode, allowing passengers to enjoy entertainment without distracting the driver. The second-generation augmented reality head-up display provides relevant information directly in the driver’s line of sight.

Comfort and functionality take center stage in the interior design. The “soft wrap” extends door to door, creating a cohesive and enveloping space. High-quality materials cover every surface, differentiating between comfort-oriented and precisely designed control areas. The low-lying, slim air vents blend into the background, emphasizing the interior’s clean lines. Displays for the virtual exterior mirrors are ergonomically positioned inside the doors for easy viewing.

Audi S6 Sportback e-tron

The Audi A6 e-tron seamlessly integrates modern technology. The infotainment system, powered by Android Automotive OS, updates over the air to keep the latest Audi Connect services up-to-date. The Audi Application Store offers a variety of third-party apps, while the enhanced e-tron route planner ensures efficient travel. The Audi assistant, integrated with ChatGPT, provides intuitive voice control for various vehicle functions, enhancing the overall driving experience.

With its curved design and OLED technology, the MMI panoramic display consists of an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch MMI touch display. This digital stage is complemented by the optional 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display, which features Active Privacy Mode. Thanks to intelligent light direction control based on speed and seat occupancy, the front-seat passenger can enjoy entertainment content without distracting the driver.

The interior design emphasizes a homely ambiance with clear structures and spaciousness. The “soft wrap” extends from the doors across the entire width of the control panel, creating a cohesive and enveloping space. Comfort-oriented areas feature generous surfaces and soft materials, while control areas use high-quality, high-gloss black finishes to highlight the interaction points. The low-lying, slim air vents blend seamlessly into the background, maintaining the interior’s clean lines.

Audi S6 Sportback e-tron

The displays for the optional virtual exterior mirrors are positioned ergonomically inside the doors, ensuring they are easily visible without distracting the driver. This thoughtful placement enhances the driver’s ability to monitor their surroundings comfortably.

The Audi A6 e-tron sets new standards in electric vehicle design. Its exterior combines elegance with aerodynamic efficiency, while the interior focuses on user-friendly technology and comfort. Personally, I love the look of the Avant—it’s stylish and incredibly practical. Which model do you prefer?

U.S. Market Specific Information

Audi will launch the A6 e-tron, A6 e-tron quattro, and S6 e-tron Sportback variants in the U.S. market. The offer structure for the A6 e-tron in the U.S. market will differ from the global release.

The A6 e-tron (RWD) Sportback delivers 362 hp and accelerates from 0-60 mph in an estimated 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The A6 e-tron quattro Sportback offers 422 hp and achieves 0-60 mph in about 4.3 seconds, maintaining the same top speed. The S6 e-tron Sportback has 496 hp, which can be boosted to 543 hp with launch control, reaching 0-60 mph in an estimated 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph.

Audi A6 e-tron Family

EPA range specifications will be announced closer to the U.S. on-sale date. The European drag coefficient of 0.21 Cd is based on a specific wheel offering. Unfortunately, virtual exterior mirrors are unavailable in the U.S.

The A6 e-tron features a 100 kWh battery (94.4 kWh net), with AC charging at 9.6 kW (240V/40A) and DC fast charging at 270 kW HPC at 800 volts, capable of reaching 10-80% SOC in 21 minutes. Available colors for the U.S. models include Magnetic gray (solid), Glacier white metallic, Mythos black metallic, Plasma blue metallic, Malpelo blue metallic, and Typhoon gray metallic. The S6 e-tron also offers a Siam beige metallic and Daytona gray pearl effect.

The A6 and S6 e-tron offer up to eight customizable light signatures. However, due to U.S. regulations, certain lighting functionalities—such as adaptive matrix LED headlights, car-to-X communication, and active digital light signatures—will not be available. More detailed information will be announced closer to the U.S. on-sale date, including final U.S. market-specific product information, performance specifications, pricing, and EPA-rated range/emissions information.

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2024 Audi RS7 Performance: Unmatched Power and Luxury

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There are a lot of fine machines that you can get if you’re willing to spend over $100,000 these days. In fact, you can get multiple amazing cars for that amount of money, so if you’re going to choose just one car and pay over $150,000 for it, it had better be very, very good.

And that’s exactly what Audi’s RS7 promises to be. With 621 horsepower from a 4.0-liter V8 routed to all four wheels through an advanced all-wheel drive system with an active, torque-vectoring differential and an eight-speed automatic transmission, it certainly promises to be a powerhouse when it comes both to performance and all-season poise. But does it deliver, especially when optioned up to a final price of $151,840?

Design

First impressions are key with a car like this, and the RS7 doesn’t disappoint. While you can get this same basic silhouette for as little as $72,000 in the base A7, stepping up past the roughly $85,000 S7 into the RS7 you see here adds several model-specific customizations — some subtle, others less so.

To me, the most striking are those amazing 22-inch wheels. While I’m not generally a fan of black wheels, especially on a car like this, you could paint these any color you like, and they’d still be striking. The shape, which seems delicate as a spider’s web, is beautifully compelling, while the deep dish provided by that offset gives this sedan a concept-car stance.

That deep-dish profile helps fill the fenders on the RS7, which are substantially wider than those on the base A7. It’s the nose, though, that is most noticeable, with massive inlets featuring exposed carbon fiber slats. The color here, Florett Silver, is on the subtle side for a car this powerful, but it pairs beautifully with the black wheels and carbon highlights.

But what I like most about the RS7 is that, despite those details that enthusiasts will spot from a mile away, your average person out there on the streets won’t necessarily see this one coming. On a casual glance, the RS7 doesn’t shout its presence. The added bits aren’t so much flare as they are finesse, and that’s very much in line with what I want from a car.

Interior detailing

On the inside, the changes over the base A7 are similarly subtle, but there are differences. It starts with the deep-set sports seats with their distinctive hexagonal pattern. They look great, especially in Cognac leather, but if I’m honest, for a car with this much performance, I might have wanted something a bit sportier, like those offered by the $3,000 RS Design package with contrasting stitching.

The dash and doors in the RS7 receive slashes of carbon fiber, left matte, not sealed behind glossy resin like on most cars. This means it’s as lovely to touch as it is to see. Likewise, the steering wheel is Audi’s deep, thick sports shape that fits my hands like it was molded for them. A pair of discrete metal shift paddles on the back waiting for sportier drives.

Everything in here is high-quality, with the only aspects I don’t appreciate being the expanses of glossy piano black on the center console around the shifter and running across the center of the dashboard. But, from a materials and fit-and-finish standpoint, there’s nothing to complain about.

The same goes for front-seat comfort. There’s plenty of headroom and legroom, and the comprehensive heating and ventilation of those front seats will keep your posterior thermally managed. The rear seats are also heated but don’t offer anywhere near the space. As you can probably guess by that roofline, headroom out back is limited, as is legroom.

But those seats do at least fold out of the way easily, with a 40/20/40 split, meaning you can drop just the middle section should you want to seat four in here while also carrying some skis, snowboards, or the like. Just make sure the two rear passengers are somewhat short of stature.

The software experience

Audi’s MMI experience handles infotainment duties, a dual-screen system that’s comprehensive if occasionally confusing. The bottom screen is mostly used for the car’s climate control system, but occasionally, you’ll use the top screen for that.

Meanwhile, the top screen has the bulk of the infotainment experience, and you’ll find the integrated navigation system and media playback here. Connect your phone for wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay and either of those displays take over the top screen. Media is played through a 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, which offers a rich, broad sound but comes with quite an asking price: $4,900.

The gauge cluster is likewise fully digital, measuring 12.3 inches on the diagonal, and there’s a heads-up display as well, meaning you’ll not be lacking for information. All displays are thoroughly customizable and full of telemetry covering everything from maximum g-forces to tire pressures.

The most important control might just be on the steering wheel. It’s the RS button, which you can use to quickly toggle through two user-defined RS modes: RS1 and RS2. You can customize the engine response, suspension stiffness, steering resistance, engine sound, and differential setup.

Dig a little deeper, and you can also raise or lower the adaptive suspension, which I frequently had to do while driving the car.

Winter testing

My RS7 visit coincided with one of the worst ice storms we’ve experienced in New York in years. Heavy rains swept through, followed by a rapid temperature drop and a foot of heavy, wet snow. The resulting combination not only left the roads covered in ice and slick snow but also brought down trees and branches all over.

And I had to drive three hours straight into the heart of it.

Virtually any other 600-horsepower, $151,000 car would have left me, at best, stranded or, at worst, halfway through a tree. The RS7 handled it all remarkably well. Though the RS7 is low, it’s not so terminally low that the aggressive front air dam turned into a plow when the snow started to pile up.

Meanwhile, Audi’s sportiest sedan did an excellent job of getting all that power to the ground. In the few times I dug deep into the throttle (purely for the sake of experimentation), the RS7 squirmed just a bit, making the most of the grip, then shot forward in a controlled, predictable way.

This was on some of the slickest, nastiest roads I’ve ever experienced. I saw many cars in ditches, yet I had no problem getting home. I even enjoyed myself. And, on those few times when I needed to clear some particularly deep snow, raising the car an extra 0.8 inches was a reassuring thing — even if it was only a maximum speed of about 20 mph.

Much of this performance must be attributed to the Continental WinterContact tires on the car, which, despite being incredibly wide and low-profile, delivered good and predictable grip. But the RS7’s advanced differential system ensured that the power got to those tires in a balanced way and ultimately ensured that I got home safe.

Once the weather cleared and the roads dried, I had a chance to sample the car’s speed and performance differently. Here the RS7 is brutal and fast. That twin-turbo V8 sounds fantastic as it roars up through your every acceleration and burbles gently as you lose that speed again. The transmission clips through ratios without hesitation but did have a tendency to make the car jerk and stumble a bit when coasting to a stop.

The steering is delightfully quick, if a bit numb, and the grip levels are, of course, huge. For a car of this size, it’s very, very good.

Switching back to Comfort mode, the car returns to being a calm and relaxing luxury sedan. It’s really only that occasionally jerky transmission that betrays this car’s performance capability, that and an excess of road noise, which would surely be lessened with summer or all-season tires rather than the chunky winter tire treads here.

The 17.4 mpg I saw during my testing also points to this car’s capabilities, which matches the car’s official combined rating. However, according to the EPA, you can get up to 22 mpg on the highway if you drive it gently.

Pricing and Options

The 2024 Audi RS7 Performance you see here had a starting MSRP of $127,800, but included a number of options, including $7,650 for the matte carbon fiber, $4,900 for the Bang & Olufsen sound system, and $2,250 for the driver assistance package. The total price came out to $151,840 after a $1,095 destination charge.

As a machine meant to mix both luxury and performance, the RS7 handles both categories well, not providing the posh experience of something like a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but lining up quite compellingly against something like a Mercedes-AMG GT Sedan or Porsche Panamera and with a price to match.

With its visual tweaks and hints of outrageous performance, the RS7 feels a bit more special than either of those two, a bit more rare. Still, with Porsche’s new Panamera coming, and Mercedes raising the bar with the AMG GT, Audi’s barnstormer might need some new moves to keep up.

 

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Is Audi’s $10,000 Electric Mountain Bike Worth the Price Tag?

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Audi has partnered with the Italian brand Fantic to launch a limited edition electric mountain bike (eMTB), combining the best of automotive engineering and e-bike technology. This collaboration reflects Audi’s deep-rooted motorsport heritage and Fantic’s 50-year legacy in motorcycle excellence, offering a robust option for trail enthusiasts and urban riders alike.

Designer: Audi + Fantic

The eMTB is inspired by Audi’s Dakar Rally-winning RS Q e-tron, incorporating its high-performance DNA into a bike designed for extreme environments. The frame, made from lightweight aluminum, ensures agility and responsiveness, making it suitable for the most challenging terrains. It features a sleek design that’s functional and also visually appealing, echoing the aesthetics of Audi’s pioneering racing models.

Powering the Audi eMTB is the Brose S-MAG motor, known for its seamless, natural pedaling feel and robust output of 250 watts continuous and 565 watts peak power. This motor, complemented by a 720-watt-hour Fantic Integra battery, provides substantial range, theoretically allowing riders up to six hours of riding time at moderate power usage. This combination is ideal for long, adventurous rides where efficiency and reliability are paramount.

There are four levels of electrical assistance—Eco, Tour, Sport, and Boost—each tailored to different riding conditions and preferences. Eco mode is calibrated to deliver maximum efficiency and range, offering substantial electrical assistance for extended rides. Tour mode provides a significant boost and is suitable for varied terrains. Sport mode adds powerful assistance tailored for dynamic cycling, and Boost mode, the most powerful setting, delivers maximum electrical assistance ideal for tackling steep climbs. The level of assistance and the bike’s speed can reach up to 20 mph, with an estimated battery range between 12 and 90 miles, depending on the terrain, rider weight, and chosen level of assist.

The bike’s performance is further enhanced by its class-leading Öhlins suspension system, featuring a TTX22m.2 coil rear shock and RXF38 m.2 fork. This setup mirrors World Cup downhill bike specifications, ensuring smooth handling and effective shock absorption on rough trails. The inclusion of high-end Braking 4 piston hydraulic disc brakes guarantees that riders can manage high speeds safely and comfortably.

Fantic XEF 1.9 Factory enduro e-bike vs. World Cup downhill spec cross-country bikes

When comparing World Cup downhill spec cross-country bikes with the Fantic XEF 1.9 Factory enduro e-bike, several similarities stand out:

  • Advanced Suspension: Both types of bikes use high-performance suspension to handle rough terrains. While XC bikes now commonly feature up to 120mm of travel, the Fantic XEF 1.9 goes further with a 190mm RockShox ZEB fork for even tougher trails.
  • Power Assist: Unlike traditional XC bikes, the Fantic XEF 1.9 includes a motor. This Brose S-MAG motor offers powerful assistance, similar to what might be useful on tougher XC courses, helping with challenging climbs.
  • Stable Geometry: Both XC and the Fantic XEF 1.9 are designed for stability. The XEF 1.9 uses downhill bike features like a slack head angle to enhance control on descents, a trend that’s growing in XC designs.
  • Dropper Posts: Dropper posts are becoming increasingly common in XC racing for better control on descents. They are a standard feature on the Fantic XEF 1.9 and enhance maneuverability.

  • Tough Tires: Both bike styles sport robust tires suitable for diverse trail conditions, ensuring grip and durability on rough tracks.

These features make the Fantic XEF 1.9 well-suited for enduro and similar to modern XC bikes that are built to tackle increasingly technical courses.

Beyond these technical specifications, the Audi eMTB is versatile and designed to cater to the needs of expert bikers navigating black trails as well as those seeking an exhilarating ride on local paths. It is classified as a Class 1 e-bike, which means it assists up to 20 mph and is permissible on a variety of bike trails, ensuring compliance with most local regulations.

Key Components Contributing to Cost:

  • Motor—Brose S-MAG: This motor offers 250 watts of continuous power and peaks at 565 watts, with 90Nm of torque. It is known for its robust performance and natural pedaling feel.
  • Battery—Fantic Integra 720Wh: This high-capacity battery provides up to 6 hours of ride time at moderate power usage, enhancing both aesthetics and balance.
  • Suspension System – Öhlins Components: Features the Öhlins TTX22m.2 coil rear shock and Öhlins RXF38 m.2 fork, crucial for smooth rides on rough terrain and renowned for superior performance and comfort.

Audi and Fantic’s new electric mountain bike combines tough components and sleek design with advanced technology and user-friendliness. Priced at $9,795 and available this summer, it sets a new standard in the rapidly expanding e-mobility market. Designed for biking enthusiasts and professionals seeking top-notch gear to boost their rides, this bike showcases the culmination of Audi’s innovation and Fantic’s expert craftsmanship in e-bike design. With all things considered, I’d venture to say the price tag is justified—now, if only Audi would throw in a bottle holder!

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Could a Luxury Car Brand like Audi get into Fitness Equipment?

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Luxury car brands don’t sell transportation… they sell a lifestyle, so what if you carried that idea to any other category? Designer Qingsheng Meng asked themself the same question, wondering what would happen if you took a luxury car brand like Audi’s DNA and applied it to another category, for example, exercise equipment. Sure, it sounds odd on the face of it, but Bose makes speakers and truck seats. Yamaha makes motorcycles and pianos… so why couldn’t Audi make a stationary exercise bike? After all, the company already builds electric bicycles, so the transition seems like a natural one. Meet the Audi Smart Spinning Bike, an exercise bike built with Audi’s luxury automotive DNA. After all, luxury car brands sell a lifestyle – why not a healthy one?

Designer: Qingsheng Meng

The Audi Smart Spinning Bike concept carries the company’s automotive aesthetic to home workout equipment. This translates to clean surfaces, chiseled forms, a forward-leaning stance that indicates speed, and a gorgeous matte black and silver colorway that adds to the bike’s appeal. “Different from traditional spinning bikes, this product intelligentizes traditional spinning bikes,” says Meng, the China-based designer responsible for the Audi Smart Spinning Bike concept. “At the same time, it uses simple styling techniques to draw lessons from Audi’s design language, emphasizing Audi’s intelligent and simple brand attributes, and is in line with the market.”

The spin-bike is different from Peloton or any of the other stationary bikes you’d otherwise see. It looks different, feels much more advanced, and comes with features that set it in a class apart. The bike sports an adjustable frame, that lets you manipulate the seat distance, height, or even handlebar heights with the simple push of a button. A dashboard gives you a comprehensive breakdown of your workout, and the energy that you put into the exercise doesn’t go to waste. It charges the e-bike as well as a detachable power bank that sits underneath the dashboard, giving you actual battery power that you can then use to charge your smartphone or other devices around the house.

The handlebars facilitate a sturdy grip while cycling, and a touchscreen LCD dashboard lets you brows through your workout stats, giving you a comprehensive breakdown of how long you cycled, how many calories you burned, your cadence, cardio, etc. The dashboard also lets you choose difficulty settings before each workout. Meanwhile, your exercise doesn’t go in vain – the muscular energy you exert during cycling gets converted into kinetic energy, which then gets stored as electrical energy in a battery pack attached to the base of the handlebars.

With the ability to hold as many as two battery packs, the Audi Smart Spinning Bike gives you impetus to exercise, also allowing you to measure your workout in a unique way. You can compare a single exercise session to literal milli-amp hours, understanding how much physical exertion you’d need to charge your entire smartphone from 0 to 100! Sounds fun, doesn’t it??

It’s precisely that fun that helps the Audi Smart Spinning Bike stand apart from other stationery bikes, that just provide you with ‘exercise’. Quite like how Audi cars are fun to ride and immerse you in the luxurious thrill of style and speed, the spin bike helps elevate your workout to another level, giving you the kind of workout you could only experience from a state-of-the-art bike designed by one of the world’s leading automotive marques!

The post Could a Luxury Car Brand like Audi get into Fitness Equipment? first appeared on Yanko Design.

Molding the Future: The Design Journey of the Audi RS 6 Avant GT

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In the heart of Audi’s creative forge, a groundbreaking project unfolded, marking a blend of heritage and innovation. The Audi RS 6 Avant GT is a canvas where past and future collide. This design journey began with a visionary apprentice project: the 2020 RS 6 GTO concept. In this project, a dozen apprentices from various disciplines, from bodywork to automotive mechanics, painting, and tooling mechanics, brought their dreams to life under the guidance of Audi Design.

Designer: Juergen Loeffler, Exterior Designer at Audi

Drawing deep from the well of history, these young talents channeled the indomitable spirit of the 1989 Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO race car. Their six-month journey was more than an exercise in automotive design; it was a dialogue between eras, a reimagining of what a car could embody.

The Audi RS 6 Avant GT emerges as a sculptural masterpiece, distinct in its lineage yet boldly forward-looking. Its design language speaks of power and grace, with a front visage that commands attention. The high-gloss black Singleframe and menacing air intakes sculpt a lower and wider facade, a homage to its racing DNA. The introduction of vertical blades, a new intake grille, and a front splitter crafted into the bumper sharpens its predatory stance.

Audi Sport ventures into new territories with a carbon fiber redesigned hood, underscoring the unique identity of the RS 6 Avant GT. This hood is more than just a part; it’s a standout feature, accentuated by the body color, making the carbon weave a spectacle. The air outlets behind the 22-inch wheels intelligently combine aesthetics with aerodynamics.

The car’s side features carbon fiber fenders housing the wheels, showcasing Audi’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. The side profile is accentuated with glossy carbon inserts and mirrors alongside the bespoke 6-spoke wheels, exclusive to this model.

At the rear, the RS 6 Avant GT wears its “RS 6 GT” lettering like a badge of honor, complemented by a tailgate that seamlessly blends into the car’s silhouette, a functional diffuser, and a motorsport-inspired double wing, directly influenced by the apprentices’ concept.

For the first time, the RS 6 Avant sees its roof rails omitted, crafting a sleeker, more streamlined profile that whispers speed even in stillness.

The palette of options for the RS 6 Avant GT is a tribute to Audi Sport’s heritage, offering decals in striking color schemes that echo the brand’s racing legacy. Whether it’s the stark contrast of Arkona White against the vibrant decals or the subdued elegance of Nardo grey or Mythos black, each choice is a statement of individuality.

Inside, the RS 6 Avant GT is a model of simplicity, where the RS design package is the main feature. Black interiors are punctuated with red and copper accents, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors that dance across the steering wheel, center console, and the luxurious RS bucket seats. The meticulous stitching in Express Red and Copper weaves a narrative of attention to detail and craftsmanship.

The use of Dinamica microfiber throughout the cabin, from the armrests to the dashboard, elevates the tactile experience, offering a glimpse into the future of luxury materials. The optional open-pore carbon twill inlays add another layer of depth, bringing the exterior’s carbon motif inside.

Each RS 6 Avant GT is a piece of history, marked by its unique serial number in a limited series of 660, a reminder of the exclusivity and passion that drives Audi’s design ethos.

The RS 6 Avant GT is not just a car but a symbol of youthful creativity and a bridge between generations. It represents both Audi’s design legacy and its future. More than just being built, the RS 6 Avant GT is crafted. Each line, curve, and stitch tells a story of innovation, heritage, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.

The RS 6 Avant GT ramps up the performance with a power output of 463 kW (630 PS) and torque of 850 Nm, marking an increase of 22 kW (30 PS) and 50 Nm over the base RS 6 Avant model. This allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.3 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than the base model, and reach 200 km/h in 11.5 seconds, 1.5 seconds faster. The top speed is capped at 305 km/h (190mph). The car comes standard with RS ceramic brakes for effective deceleration.

Power from the 4.0 TFSI engine is delivered through an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox to the quattro all-wheel-drive system, featuring an optimized center differential that improves handling and reduces understeer by adjusting the torque distribution between the front and rear axles as needed.

The RS 6 Avant GT also gets a specially tuned quattro sport differential for the rear axle, enhancing agility and precision, especially in dynamic driving mode. It comes standard with adjustable coilover suspension, lowering the ride height by ten millimeters compared to the base model and balancing dynamic driving and comfort. The suspension setup includes higher spring rates, triple-adjustable dampers, and stiffer stabilizers to reduce body roll and enhance driving enjoyment. Customers can choose between this setup, the RS sport suspension plus Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), or the RS adaptive air suspension.

The post Molding the Future: The Design Journey of the Audi RS 6 Avant GT first appeared on Yanko Design.

2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron Review

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PROS:


  • Engaging handling

  • Comfort seating

  • Plenty of storage

CONS:


  • Range still a bit short

  • No hands-off tech

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

A refresh that moves Audi's E-Tron forward in all the right directions.

As far as EVs go, the E-Tron has been around long enough to have seen a few things. Debuting back in 2018, Audi’s first battery-powered ride was a great car in many ways, but it also felt lacking in others. Most notably, its range was on the middling side and its handling made it a pleasant drive but far from a memorable one. Finally, there was the name: E-Tron. It just didn’t really fit in with anything Audi had done before or since.

For 2024, it’s back, and now it’s called the Q8 E-Tron. Despite the new name, now fitting squarely within Audi’s model taxonomy, this is actually a subtle refresh. It’s so subtle that you’d be forgiven for not being able to identify the new car from the old were they sitting side-by-side. But, after having driven both quite extensively, I’m happy to say it’s a refresh that moves the car forward in all the right directions — though perhaps not far enough in some.

By the numbers

The Q8 E-Tron is, like before, a five-passenger SUV that, to my eye, looks more like a tall station wagon. Its height of 64.3 inches splits the difference quite handily between the regular Q8 SUV and the A8 sedan, so it really is its own thing.

It’s available in three trims, with starting prices in the U.S. just under $75,000 on the low end and $85,000 on the high end. The car tested here is a Prestige trim with just a few options added.

It has a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system offering a total system output of 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque. The range from the new and larger 114-kilowatt-hour battery is 285 miles per the EPA, while the maximum charging rate is 170 kW. In my testing, I didn’t come anywhere near that EPA rating, averaging 2.3 miles per kilowatt hour at best, for an estimated 243 miles from the 106 usable kWh in that new battery.

But don’t hold that against it. I did all my testing in the winter months, and that result is actually quite good given the low temperatures. Even the best EVs hate the cold. In the summer, I have no doubt that drivers will meet or exceed that EPA figure.

More importantly, the Q8 E-Tron did an excellent job of providing accurate, reliable range estimates based on weather conditions and terrain, something that many other EV makes still struggle with.

Deja-Q

Squint, and you’ll hardly be able to tell the difference between the Q8 and the E-Tron that came before. Put on your glasses, and the differences are still easy to miss. The highlights are definitely in the front facia, which is sharper, cleaner, and fresher than before. Revised lighting, too, makes the Q8 E-Tron have a subtly greater presence than before.

New 20-inch wheels also provide more visual intrigue from the side without compromising ride quality too much, but the overall visual aesthetic of the Q8 is still very much an understated one. That’s doubly so, thanks to a decidedly muted selection of colors. The shade you see here, Plasma Blue, is the most dramatic of the bunch, and yet it easily blends into your average parking lot palette.

Even less has changed on the inside, and that doesn’t bother me so much. The original E-Tron’s interior was a standout, and while it’s perhaps a bit familiar now, it still delivers in all the right ways. It also still bears the indentations in the door cars where the digital side-view mirrors would live in the American version of the Q8 E-Tron, were they legal. Five years after the original E-Tron’s launch, they’re still not.

Though mostly dark and dominated by soft-touch rubbers and plenty of harder, harsher stuff, the look is clean, and everything feels durable. The slash of open-pore wood across the dash, though desaturated and still not providing much visual flare, does at least add some organic appeal to what would otherwise be too cold a space. (Brown leather is also on offer, as well as off-white.)

The primary interface is a pair of touchscreens stacked vertically. The lower is primarily dedicated to HVAC controls and other features like smart home integration, charging, and toggling hill descent control.

The touchscreen above is the more significant of the two, where the bulk of Audi’s MMI lives and where either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto will be wirelessly displayed should you choose to enable it. To the left, there’s Audi’s Virtual Cockpit Plus, augmented further by a heads-up display.

That’s plenty of displays for sure. Though this version of MMI feels more than a little dated at this point, its voice recognition in particular offering little assistance compared to the more recent offerings from BMW or Mercedes-Benz. That said, it’s quick and easy to use, and the haptic pulse received when selecting touch controls is still a pleasant thing.

Interior comfort

At 193.5 inches long, the Q8 E-Tron is a big car, and it makes use of that volume by offering comfortable seating in the front or the rear. Out back, there’s plenty of legroom and headroom, plus a pair of USB-C ports and dedicated controls for rear HVAC, plus heating the rear seats.

Front seats add ventilation, and while the cooling isn’t particularly effective, the heating is certainly the more important part of the equation, and there they do not disappoint. The heated steering wheel, however, could use a few more watts.

Front seats are power-adjustable, with two memory settings, and visibility from the driver’s seat is quite good. The shaping of the A-pillars keeps them from blocking too much of your perspective, while the panoramic sunroof above helps keep things looking lighter and brighter than the dark materials otherwise would.

In practical terms, 28.5 cubic feet of cargo space make for a very livable machine. Fold the split rear seats, which flop down at the pull of a lever at the back of the cargo compartment, and you’re greeted with an expansive 56.4 cubic feet of space. Plenty for the most indulgent of trips to the big-box shops.

The drive

The outgoing E-Tron was pleasant to drive, calm and relaxed, quite nicely composed on the sorts of roads that will try the best of suspension systems. The revised Q8 E-Tron, I’m pleased to say, has lost none of that valuable, though ultimately forgettable demeanor.

What’s added is a surprising amount of engagement. The Q8 E-Tron, when pushed hard and toggled over to Sport mode, is quite fun to drive. No, we’re not coming close to the levels offered even by any member of Audi’s RS family. Still, revised steering and some subtle suspension tweaks help make for a car that’s eager when the road turns away from you.

It’s also eager when that road is straight and narrow. The new Q8 E-Tron feels even quicker than its 402 hp. To get maximum power, you need to be in Sport mode, where the throttle is sharpest. The Q8 E-Tron is genuinely eager, so eager that you’ll only want to deploy that mode when you’re by yourself, lest you threaten the patience — or the stomachs — of anyone else in the car.

They won’t have to worry about getting car sick from excessive regenerative braking, though. Like the old E-Tron, the Q8 doesn’t have much to offer. Tap the left paddle a few times to enable maximum regen, but the maximum is barely any. Audi’s dogged dislike of one-pedal driving continues, which continues to be a shame for any buyer who prefers not to step on the brake pedal so often.

Regarding safety systems, the Q8 E-Tron has a comprehensive stack, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, and a lane departure warning system. It was enough to earn it an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

However, where more and more competitors offer hands-off highway driving, this SUV is still very much in the hands-on mode. Its lane-keep system also got a little confused when approaching exit ramps where the right painted lines split off to make room for the exit, resulting in an occasional, uncomfortable lurch. But the adaptive cruise worked well, always identifying and reacting to traffic early and smoothly.

Options and pricing

The 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron you see here had a starting MSRP of $74,400, while the Prestige package added a further $10,400. Compared to the base Q8 E-Tron, Premium Plus adds on the better Bang & Olufsen sound system, ventilated front seats, and the 360 camera. Prestige steps that up further with a basic massaging system on those seats, which are now wrapped in higher-spec leather, with upgraded matrix lighting up front.

This car also blacked out much of the chrome with the $2,000 Black Optic Package, $400 for additional rear side airbags, and $595 for that Plasma Blue paint. Add on the $1,195 destination charge, and you have a final sticker price of $88,990.

That’s a comprehensively equipped and properly luxurious machine for that money. Really, it’s only the range that’s still a bit light compared to the competition, on par with something like the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV’s 279 miles, but short of BMW’s iX, which offers 311 miles for comparable money. But, most buyers will find the E-Tron’s 285 miles plenty enough, and they’ll also find the Q8 to be a comfortable, upscale, and now subtly engaging all-electric SUV.

The post 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron Review first appeared on Yanko Design.

In-Car VR Entertainment Solutions that Promise to Eliminate Motion Sickness

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In-car entertainment is gaining importance given the substantial time people spend in vehicles, whether daily commutes, long-distance trips, or leisure journeys. This time can feel unproductive or monotonous, particularly for passengers. Additionally, extended travel can cause discomfort and motion sickness. Car motion sickness often arises from a mismatch between the motion perceived by the eyes and that sensed by the inner ear. This is particularly common when reading or focusing on a stationary object within a moving vehicle.

Designer: holoride

holoride aims to provide engaging in-car entertainment while addressing the common motion sickness problem. It does this through innovative virtual reality synchronized with the vehicle’s motion. By matching the virtual experiences with the car’s real-world movements, holoride creates a cohesive perception of motion. For example, the virtual environment reflects this movement if the vehicle turns. This helps the brain align visual and sensory inputs, reducing the conflict that often causes motion sickness.

The immersive experience of VR entertainment provided by holoride significantly distracts from the monotony or discomfort of travel. Passengers can immerse themselves in a virtual world that moves in sync with the car, transforming the travel experience into an engaging and enjoyable activity. This is especially beneficial on long journeys, where potential hours of boredom or discomfort can be converted into time spent exploring virtual landscapes, playing games, or engaging in other interactive VR experiences.

I first experienced Holoride’s technology at CES 2019. Audi drove me around the Las Vegas Speedway while I played a special demo created by Disney Games and Interactive Experiences. The experience gave me the impression that holoride was on the verge of revolutionizing in-car entertainment by integrating virtual reality (VR) with the car’s movements. The test system utilized Oculus Rift VR glasses, providing a uniquely immersive experience. The initial trial featured a game developed by Disney Games and Interactive Experiences, “Marvel’s Avengers: Rocket’s Rescue Run,” which I played in a virtual space as the car moved.

holoride’s technology uses the car’s telemetry data to sync the VR experience with real-time car movements, such as turns, acceleration, and braking, creating a seamless blend of the real and virtual worlds. This synchronization helps to minimize motion sickness, a common issue when using VR in a moving vehicle.

One of the exciting features of holoride is its adaptability. The duration of the VR experience can stretch or shrink to match the length of the car journey, making each ride a unique adventure. Beyond just entertainment, it can also offer educational experiences based on the journey’s location.

Though holoride was born within Audi, it’s not exclusive to the automaker and isn’t fully owned by Disney. The plan is to invite additional investors and open the platform to other content creators and automakers. It also has potential for use in autonomous vehicles, and the experience could be enriched by integrating data from the vehicle’s sensors.

In its early stages, holoride aims to enhance the passenger experience, transforming every car ride into a unique adventure. As the platform evolves and attracts more developers, the possibilities for in-car VR experiences are expected to expand significantly.

So, where’s holoride today? holoride, the Munich-based tech company, announced the release of its holoride retrofit device at CES 2023. This product is a compact device that turns any vehicle into a platform for extended reality entertainment. The company recognized as a 2023 CES Innovation Awards honoree, has made its mark in the industry by integrating virtual reality (VR) and real-time vehicle data.

The holoride retrofit device is about the same size as a typical smart speaker. It connects to a VR headset via Bluetooth and uses movement and location data to create adaptive virtual experiences that respond to a vehicle’s movements in real-time. This data-driven approach creates a dynamic experience that helps mitigate motion sickness.

Nils Wollny, CEO and co-founder of holoride said that the retrofit device brings them closer to their goal of making every vehicle a portal into holoride’s immersive world. “Any vehicle can serve as your gateway into holoride’s adaptive virtual experiences where each new ride becomes the blueprint for your next immersive adventure,” Wollny said.

In conjunction with the launch of the retrofit device, holoride also announced an addition to their content library. Subscribers will now have access to a new game, Pixel Ripped 1995: On the Road, from Emmy Award-winning studio ARVORE. The game takes place in a car during a family road trip and is available to all holoride subscribers.

The holoride retrofit device weighs less than half a pound and can be mounted on a vehicle’s windshield. It boasts a 14-hour battery life and can simultaneously connect to two headsets. The device is priced at $199, with a bundle option available for 699€/$, including a HTC VIVE Flow headset, and includes a 3-month holoride subscription and 3-month access to VIVEPORT Infinity Vista.

The post In-Car VR Entertainment Solutions that Promise to Eliminate Motion Sickness first appeared on Yanko Design.

Audi Robosphere is a powerful Cyberpunk world machine curious to break records

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Audi never seizes the opportunity to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to future automotive trends. Their Sphere concepts, namely – Skysphere, Grandsphere, Activesphere, and Urbansphere being the prime examples. There four shapes of future progression resonate with the brand’s philosophy and for now are limited to the four-wheeler domain.

A concept design wants to break the ice for Audi with a dystopian world concept bike that fits right into the German automotive giant’s scheme of things. Dubbed Audi Robosphere, the presumed limited edition electric motorcycle aims to break the world speed record. Perfectly superimposed with Audi’s current Motorsport endeavor in Formula-E and soon to be in Formula-1, the electric bike is a monster under the hood.

Designer: Andrea Di Matteo

The goal of this project is to take Audi into the zone of record-breaking accolades – courtesy of the limited series of 50 road-legal parts honed by motorcycle mechanics. The target market for the handsome two-wheeled performer, well, the opulent class who don’t fret about taking their machine to the absolute limits.

Andrea has chosen a functional aerodynamic design, flowing from the front wheels to the rear, creating a soothing visual unison. Voluminous styling is dominant here, contrasted by the cool graphics and transparent aesthetics. To optimize the airflow even more, the handlebars are not protruding from the sides, rather they are integrated into the body. Those wide wheels and the geometrically aligned LED headlights to the body frame give off the tell-tale future motorbike character.

This bike has an extremely sporty setup just like you’d have in motocross bikes, but can be toggled for normal riding posture as well. Fork of the Robosphere draws inspiration from the Bimota Tesi 3D which is one impressive Italian art on two wheels. One of the most startling features of this Audi bike is the illuminated rear which doubles as a big headlight. Something that’s never-before-seen on a sprinting machine.

The post Audi Robosphere is a powerful Cyberpunk world machine curious to break records first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ken Block’s drifting nirvana in the one-off electric Audi S1 Hoonitron for “Electrikhana”

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Ken Block has bamboozled me all these years with his millimeter-perfect drifting skills in the unbelievable Gymkhana videos. Now a new breed of Hoonigan branded set of wheels is on the horizon paving the way to the future of electric Gymkhana. Well, according to Ken, “Electrikhana” to be precise.

The one-off Audi S1 Hoonitron bespoke electric drift missile with its skillful master has set the Las Vegas Strip on fire for this jaw-dropping video. This is the first ever factory-crafted Gymkhana vehicle, and that makes it even more special whizzy past under the famous neon lights of Sin City.

Designer: Audi

This Hoonitron costing around $10 million – $12 million looks so similar to the Pikes Peak–dominating Audi Sport Quattro S1 of the 1980s, adding the element of nostalgia to the electrified future of drifting. According to Ken, the new installation of the Gymkhana series is the progressive evolution of the brand. While he loves the roar of a V-8 powertrain and turbo engine, the all-electric platform has enough performance under the belly to eat up three times more tires (around 100 tires) than during normal filming. That’s because of the Group B-inspired EV’s Formula E motors powering each axle. The result is an all-wheel-drive bi-motor setup generating a mind-numbing 4400 pound-feet of torque.

The drifting machine gets four 17.3-kWh lithium-ion battery packs feeding the motors running at 800 V. In the S1 Hoonitron there’s one big advantage as Ken certified – the launch is as simple as thumping the throttle pedal. Compare that to a regular car which has to be put in gear and the rider has to wait for the turbo to set in.

It’s obvious that Ken is loving the huge amount of torque generated by this one-off electric Audi drifter, and yet again, I loved all the tire squealing action with the strange motor whining of the Si Hoonitron in the backdrop!

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