Audi Q4 e-tron (2021): not yet unveiled but already in production!

Audi Q4 e-tron (2021) not yet unveiled but already in production

Audi has just launched production of its future 100% electric compact SUV, the Q4 e-tron, although the model has not yet been unveiled …

Audi is wasting no time with its Q4 e-tron . While it still has not presented its new 100% electric compact SUV , the German manufacturer has already started production !

The first copies of the model have indeed taken place on the assembly lines of the plant in Zwickau , Germany, including the Volkswagen ID.4 , also manufactured locally.

Audi Q4 e-tron produced at Volkswagen plant in Zwickau

“The inter-brand collaboration in Zwickau once again demonstrates the enormous potential for synergy we have with the Volkswagen Group,” commented Peter Kössler, member of the Audi board for production and logistics.

“The on-schedule production start of the Audi Q4 e-tron is a testament to the excellent teamwork, both among Volkswagen colleagues and those at Audi. Our compact electric SUV is undoubtedly a true Audi. which will impress our customers with its quality and ease of use on a daily basis. ”, he added.

Audi Q4 e-tron: what we already know

The Audi Q4 e-tron will be unveiled to the public in mid-April and launched in European markets in summer 2021 . We already know that the SUV will measure almost 4.60 m long and that it will be based on the modular electric platform MEB of the Volkswagen group.

Its interior having already been unveiled , we also know that it will have its own atmosphere with in particular a three-dimensional dashboard, a new generation of touch-control steering wheel and a voice-controlled multimedia system where the screen measures 10.1 at 11.6 inches.

 

BMW will not stop the development of thermal engines

BMW will not stop the development of thermal engines

Unlike many of its competitors, BMW boss Oliver Zipse has announced that the Bavarian brand does not intend to stop the development of thermal engines.

Audi has just announced that it will no longer develop new heat engines , its CEO Markus Duesmann saying that European regulations on polluting emissions make the development of new generations of heat engines too expensive to be worth it.

On the other hand, BMW will not draw a line on the development of internal combustion engines. Indeed, according to Oliver Zipse, the boss of the Munich firm: “the demand for combustion vehicles will remain robust for many years to come” .

BMW: a whole range of electric vehicles to come

In Europe, heat engines could still be useful for the development of plug-in hybrid models, but outside the Old Continent, the demand for electric vehicles is not yet good: it is therefore in these markets that the engines thermals will remain important.

Of course, this choice will not prevent BMW from developing its range of new electric vehicles in parallel . For example, it has just presented the BMW i4 , a new sedan that is a 100% electric alternative to the 4 Series, as well as the BMW iX, a new electric SUV rival of the Tesla Model X and other Audi e-tron.

Other models are expected to follow later to complete the range, in order to reach BMW’s goal of selling 10 million 100% electric vehicles within the next ten years.

 

Audi will no longer develop new thermal engines

Audi will no longer develop new thermal engines

Audi will continue to adapt its existing engines, but new blocks will not emerge.

The beginning of the end for gasoline and combustion engines at Audi . The manufacturer told German media Automobilwoche that it would no longer develop new heat engines . The existing engines will be adapted , as far as possible, to future emissions standards, then gradually replaced by electric ones.

Farewell, therefore, to the famous engines of the brand with the rings: 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 cylinders , they were able to mark their time, even in the face of stiff competition in Germany. Not to mention the 3 and 4 cylinders which now equip most of the brand’s creations.

European standards deemed untenable

Audi CEO Markus Duesmann cited too severe restrictions on future Euro 7 standards . Most manufacturers have already had difficulties in homologating their engines in Euro 6-Full, the next directive could therefore spell the end of new thermal engines.

Difficulties on which Europe is counting, which has planned to make Euro standards more and more untenable , until manufacturers are forced towards 100% electric: “In 2035, the CO2 standard will be so strict that , in the current state of technologies and anticipations on gasoline and diesel thermal technologies, the engines will not be able to comply with the new standard “, announced Pascal Canfin, president of the environment committee of the European Parliament.

The gradual arrival of electric

However, do not panic: Audi will not become 100% electric overnight . Existing gasoline and diesel engines, as well as hybrids, will continue to be used and developed for future models , as long as standards allow. Audi’s announcement concerns the next generation of its engines , which will therefore eventually become electric across all of its ranges.

At the same time, Audi continues to expand its electric range. Recently, the brand unveiled its electric sports sedan, the e-tron GT .

 

Audi Q4 e-tron (2021): welcome aboard the new electric SUV

Audi Q4 e-tron (2021) welcome aboard the new electric SUV

Audi unveils the interior of the Q4 e-tron, its future 100% electric compact SUV.

A new 100% electric SUV is about to join the Audi range . After the e-tron 4.90 m long and its variation cut e-tron Sportback , brand rings arrival announcement Q4 e-tron , a zero emission SUV more compact dimensions since measuring about 4.60 m long. 4.59 m to be exact, for 1.86 m wide and 1.61 m high. Without forgetting 2.76 m of wheelbase, enough to guarantee a very good space to the rear passengers.

Digital and technological

And surprisingly, the SUV, which is based on the modular electric platform MEB and will also be available as a coupe, is not modeled on the recent e-tron or e-tron GT . It has its own atmosphere with in particular a three-dimensional dashboard, a new generation of touch-control steering wheel and a voice-activated multimedia system where the screen measures from 10.1 to 11.6 inches . In this configuration, it is the largest screen in the Audi range . The latter will be available at the end of the year.

Obviously, the brand adds to this a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster for a resolutely modern interior, especially as the options catalog also includes a unique augmented reality head-up display .

Storage and trunk

Still at the front, the dashboard can be dressed in different materials. We find in particular linden wood, several types of aluminum and plastic. The S line version can use recycled materials. As for interior colors, customers will have a choice of black, steel gray, Santos brown and pergament beige.

On the safety side, the driver’s seat is fitted with a central airbag which deploys to the right to prevent the driver and his front passenger from colliding in the event of a side impact.

Finally, Audi announces a large number of storage spaces for a total volume of 25 liters as well as a trunk volume of 520 liters, or 1,490 liters once the rear seats are folded down, all with a practically flat surface.

What about the technical sheet?

The manufacturer does not yet reveal the technical sheet of this Q4 e-tron but the 2019 concept had two electric motors, one of 102 hp at the front and the other of 204 hp at the rear, for a combined power of 306 hp , with all-wheel drive and an electronically limited top speed of 180 km / h. A battery located between the two axles promised for its part a range of 450 km.

 

Audi: Real Madrid players received their new vehicles

Audi Real Madrid players received their new vehicles

As an official partner, Audi has delivered a fleet of 23 new vehicles to Real Madrid players: discover them in detail.

The partnership between Audi and Real Madrid is celebrating its 19 th anniversary. In this context, the German firm supplies new vehicles each year to players and coaches of the Spanish team for their business trips. The delivery took place a few days ago at the Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium in Madrid, and unsurprisingly, it is still the SUVs that are popular with Real Madrid players.

Audi and Real Madrid partnership: a majority of Diesel SUVs

In detail, the Audi A7 Sportback 50 TDI was chosen by Álvaro Odriozola and Marcelo, the 55 TFSI version by Lucas Vasquez, while Marco Asensio opted for the 55 TFSIe hybrid version of the A7 Sportback; Karim Benzema received an Audi Q5 40 TDI; Rodrigo, Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Mariano, Andriy Lunin, Isco and Nacho Fernández have opted for an Audi Q7 50 TDI; Eden Hazard, Tony Kroos, Ferland Mendy, Militao and Luka Modric have chosen an Audi Q8 50 TDI.

As you will have noticed, the choice of Real Madrid players is mainly for large Diesel SUVs, but that was without counting on Vinícius Júnior and Raphaël Varane, who both opted for an Audi e-tron Sportback 55, the first 100% electric SUV of the brand with the four rings.

Rest assured, a few sporty models have also been delivered, such as an Audi RS Q8 for Federico Valverde, an Audi RS 7 Sportback for Carlos Casemiro, or an Audi RS 6 Avant for Sergio Ramos and trainer Zinédine Zidane.

All 23 vehicles delivered to Real Madrid represent a total sum of around 2 million euros . The cheapest vehicle in the workforce is that of Benzema: an Audi Q5 40 TDI, listed in the catalog from € 55,880. The most expensive model is that of Valverde, an Audi RS Q8 marketed from 154,900 €.

 

Audi e-Tron GT (2021): all prices, range, equipment

Audi e-Tron GT (2021) all prices, range, equipment

Discover all the prices, range and equipment of Audi’s new 100% electric sports sedan: the e-Tron GT, the announced rival of the Tesla Model S.

Unveiled on February 9, the Audi e-Tron GT , a 100% electric sports sedan, 4.99 m long (1.96 m wide, 1.41 m high and 2.90 m wheelbase) Dedicated to compete with the Tesla Model S , is already available to order on the French market.

Two models: e-Tron GT or RS e-Tron GT

Two models are offered : the e-tron GT , powered by two electric motors (one on each axle) for a total power of 476 hp and 630 Nm of torque (up to 530 hp for a maximum of 2.5 seconds thanks to in Boost mode), and the RS e-Tron GT , with 598 hp and 830 Nm (up to 646 hp in Boost mode).

In both cases, Audi installs an 86 kWh lithium-ion battery between the axles for a range of 488 km for the e-Tron GT and 472 km for its RS version (WLTP cycle). Its 800 volt technology allows fast direct current charging with a power of up to 270 kW. Charging from 5 to 80% takes less than 23 minutes.

Two finishes

Range side, for both models, two finishes are available : the basic version and the “Extended” version for the e-Tron GT, and the basic version as well as the “S Extended” level for the RS e-tron GT.

Entry-level, the e-Tron GT has 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, 3-zone automatic air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof and heated front seats as standard. . To this the “Extended” level adds 20-inch rims, LED Laser projectors, ventilated pro sports seats, a reversing camera, an induction charger for smartphones, a Bang & Olufsen audio system and an adaptive air suspension.

The RS e-Tron GT is sportier on the outside and inside thanks to its black aesthetic pack (bumpers, singleframe grille, side sills …) and its 20-inch rims. It also has a multifunction sports leather steering wheel, Audi pre sense front with pedestrian detection and a lane departure warning system. The “S Extended” finish adds four steering wheels, perforated leather with the choice of red or gray quilted stitching, red brake calipers and parking aid.

Produced at the Audi factory in Böllinger Höfe, at the Neckarsulm site in Germany, the e-tron GT quattro is available from € 101,500 and the Audi RS e-tron GT from € 140,700.

All prices of the new Audi e-Tron GT

Discover the prices of the Audi e-Tron GT and its radical RS version below.

  • e-tron GT: 101,500 €
  • e-tron GT Extended: 122,000 €
  • RS e-Tron GT: 140,700 €
  • RS e-Tron GT S Extended: 156.200 €

 

Lotus E-R9 (2021): an electric concept for Le Mans!

Lotus E-R9 (2021) an electric concept for Le Mans

Lotus is showing its vision of endurance by 2030. On the menu: aero thrust, and of course electric motors.

It is time to relaunch at Lotus. The small British manufacturer is starting its 100% electric shift with an ambitious plan which will see the arrival of three new models very soon. But what about the racing commitment of a brand that first made itself known in competition?

Without giving us more information on this subject, Lotus has nevertheless unveiled an endurance car concept, the E-R9, for Endurance-Racer 9 (endurance racing car 9). The name is a tribute to the Lotus Mk IX , the first car entered in the 24 Hours of Le Mans by the firm of Colin Chapman, in 1955. The inspiration is therefore clear, and comes directly from the Sarthe .

Half-plane, half-car piloting

The E-R9 also incorporates the attributes of today’s endurance prototypes: highly refined aero , and fighter-style cockpit. The concept is the representation of a vision of endurance by 2030. The assembly is obviously electric, but the batteries can be replaced very quickly during a pit stop. The E-R9 is powered by an electric motor on each wheel , which allows it to vary power as you turn.

The most interesting still remains the aerodynamics. Lotus announces that many surfaces are movable , vertically and horizontally, to guide the car. The downforce and the drag can therefore be adapted according to the situations: maximum downforce when cornering, and priority to maximum speed in a straight line. According to the manufacturer, the E-R9 “will be piloted half like a car, and half like a fighter plane”. It promises !

A return to racing in the future?

Should we see this as a future commitment by Lotus in endurance racing and at Le Mans? Hard to say. With this concept, Lotus recalls its long history in the great Sarthoise race, as well as in F1, but does not evoke a return to competition. Especially with its shift towards 100% electric , the brand is probably not favorable to thermal or hybrid competition. However, with the new Hypercar and LMDh regulations, having a chance to win Le Mans has probably never been so accessible, as the upcoming returns of Peugeot, Audi and Porsche prove.

 

Audi e-tron GT (2021): here is the electric 4-door coupe, rival of the Tesla Model S

Audi e-tron GT (2021) here is the electric 4-door coupe, rival of the Tesla Model S

Audi unveils the e-tron GT, a 100% electric sport sedan set to compete with the Tesla Model S. On the menu: a racy design, up to 598 hp of power and a range of 488 km.

Announced at the end of 2018 at the Los Angeles Motor Show through an eponymous concept car , the Audi e-tron GT is finally emerging in its production version!

As expected, this is a 100% electric sport sedan, more exactly a large four-door coupe 4.99 m long (for 1.96 m wide, 1.41 m high and 2, 90 m wheelbase) that will have to come compete fearsome Tesla Model S .

A racy design

Unsurprisingly, the car, which has presented itself many times in recent months under a light camouflage, takes the racy design of the original concept . Its features are sharp and its lines dynamic. At the front, we find in particular tapered projectors (laser projectors optional), a grille in “honeycomb” which can be painted in the color of the body, a marked hood and large switchable air intakes in the front. the shield.

In profile, the shoulders are wide, as are the hips, the wheels are imposing (up to 21 inches) and the roofline, low, is plunging and continues to a particularly sloping rear window. This extremely aerodynamic line allows Aud i to announce a drag coefficient of only 0.24.

The stern is aggressive, and marked in particular by an imposing diffuser, an active spoiler and boomerang lights which are linked together by a light strip.

A sporty and technological interior

Once the doors open, we again find the atmosphere of the 2018 concept with a deconstructed dashboard, obviously digital instrumentation (Audi Virtual Cockpit over 12.3 inches) and a large central touch screen with voice control (from 10.1 inch). We also note the presence of sports seats and recycled materials. The trunk volume is announced at 405 liters but a second luggage compartment under the front hood offers 81 liters of additional space.

Two versions, 476 hp or 598 hp!

On the technical side, this e-tron GT is based on the platform of the Porsche Taycan and houses two electric motors . One on each axle for electric all-wheel drive. These deliver 476 hp and 630 Nm of torque to the e-tron GT quattro … or 598 hp and 830 Nm to the sportier RS e-tron GT version !

A ” Launch control ” system (boost mode) delivers up to 530 or 646 hp each of two models for a maximum of 2.5 seconds.

Result, Audi claims a 0 to 100 km / h in 4.1 seconds for the e-tron GT and in 3.3 seconds for the RS model. The maximum speed is capped at 245 and 250 km / h respectively.

800V technology for ultra-fast charging

A lithium-ion battery located between the axles and with a net capacity of 86 kWh (93 kWh gross) completes the range for a range displayed at 488 km for the Audi e-tron GT quattro (WLTP cycle). Its 800 volt technology allows fast direct current charging with a power of up to 270 kW. Charging from 5 to 80% thus takes less than 23 minutes (AC charging with an output of 11 kW as standard and 22 kW available as an option shortly after market launch).

As standard, the zero-emission coupe also benefits from controlled damping, rear axle differential lock and the dynamic Audi drive select system. As an option, both models can also benefit from four-wheel steering.

What prices for the e-tron GT?

Produced at Audi’s Böllinger Höfe plant at Neckarsulm, Germany, the e-tron GT will be launched in spring 2021 . ItAudi e-tron GT (2021) here is the electric 4-door coupe, rival of the Tesla Model S will then be offered at a price of € 101,500 on the French market . The RS e-tron GT version will be displayed from 140,700 €.

 

Towards a return of the Audi A2 in 100% electric?

Towards a return of the Audi A2 in 100 electric

Audi wants to abandon the A1 and focus on the upper segment, with a possible return of the A2, this time electric.

When it was released in 1999, the Audi A2 shocks the automotive world: the compact is entirely built in aluminum , extremely aerodynamic, and announces consumption of around 3 l / 100 km in diesel. Not to mention its design: we love it or hate it, but few remain unmoved by its curves and mini-MPV proportions.

But the massive use of aluminum and its very modern engines come at a cost: the A2 is then too expensive , and remains a commercial flop.

Since then, it has been able to keep its followers, who regret his disappearance in 2005. And 16 years later, Audi is seriously considering its return.

Indeed, like many manufacturers, the brand with the rings notes that it is increasingly difficult to find margins on small vehicles like the A1: with ever higher safety standards, and ever more CO2 standards. Difficult to comply with, these cars become very expensive to produce, without the manufacturers being able to reflect this on the price.

This is why Renault will abandon the Twingo , for example.

Style inspired by a concept from 2019, the ID platform. 3?

And Audi could follow the Frenchman’s path, and launch a retro-inspired model : a new A2. This family city car would be Audi’s new entry level, with the Q2. The boss of the brand, Markus Duesmann, told the brand “will continue to produce the Q2, but probably nothing smaller”. Better, Duesmann confides that he “likes the A2”, and that his return is “in discussions: it could take the form of a new A2, or an E2, electric”.

In 2019, Audi presented the AI: ME, an electric compact concept car , taking the particular proportions of the icon of the 2000s. The new A2 could be based on this study: but do not expect a design as retro as the future electric R5 , it’s against Audi’s philosophy.

Concretely, an electric A2 could easily take over the technique of the Volkswagen ID. 3 , whose very short hood and plunging windshield are already reminiscent of Audi’s city car. To be continued!

 

New DS 4 (2021): the French compact against its German rivals!

New DS 4 (2021) the French compact against its German rivals

Recently unveiled, the DS 4 is completely renewed and becomes more refined, with the assertive target of the German compact sedans: the Audi A3 Sportback, Mercedes Class A and BMW 1 Series.

The competitors of the new DS 4 are designated, and it is on the other side of the Rhine that we find them. The Audi A3 Sportback, the Mercedes Class A and the BMW 1 Series are formidable bestsellers that the new French premium compact will have on its road.

New DS 4 (2021): the style

The new DS 4 relies heavily on its design to appeal to customers. With its athletic shapes, sharp lines, and large wheels (up to 20 inches), it asserts its dynamic and technological look. . If this component is rather subjective, the DS 4 undoubtedly has the merit of offering a more assertive style than its competitors.

Indeed, the Mercedes Class A offers rather consensual and serious lines, while the BMW 1 Series opts for a more cubic template, with false airs of a compact MPV. But it would be more on the side of Audi that it will be necessary to seek its fiercest opponent: the new A3 indeed offers athletic lines, with a more assertive grille and a technological look.

New DS 4 (2021): life on board

On board, the DS 4 offers a chic, refined and technological interior . The Mercedes Class A puts it on the “wow effect” with chrome and a large double slab that extends from the steering wheel to the middle of the dashboard. As for the Audi A3 and the BMW 1 Series, the atmosphere is more serious but austere, a classic among German manufacturers.

With a length of 4.40 meters, the new DS 4 optimizes the space on board for its passengers, front and rear. Above all, it offers the most generous trunk volume , with 430 liters , while the Mercedes Class A timidly displays only 335 liters. The BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 have a similar capacity: 380 liters.

New DS 4 (2021): the engines

Under the hood, we find the usual engines of the EMP2 platform already released on the various models of the Stellantis group: in gasoline, a 3-cylinder 1.2-liter 130 hp, and 4-cylinder 1.6 liter 180 and 225 hp , while in diesel it is the 1.5-liter BlueHDi with 130 horsepower. The hybrid version offers a cumulative power of 225 horsepower and an electric range of 50 km.

Difficult for the new French to compete with its German rivals on the register of sportiness: indeed, the Mercedes Class A peaks at 421 horsepower with its AMG 45 S version, the BMW M135i displays 306 horsepower, while the Audi S3 offers 310 horses, soon to be completed by an even more powerful RS 3 … But for ordinary people, the DS 4 easily compares with its German rivals on mid-range and hybrid engines .

New DS 4 (2021): the technologies

The DS 4 updates its multimedia system with a completely revised new version, with a 10-inch touchscreen and advanced voice control, all complemented by an astonishing new touchscreen called DS Smart Touch, integrated into the central console. Only practice during a next test will be able to tell us if the ergonomics and fluidity of the whole are there, especially in the face of Mercedes’ MBUX system for example.

But the new DS 4 also brings some new features that cannot be found in its rivals across the Rhine, such as the new generation 21-inch head-up display , which uses augmented reality to project onto the windshield information directly on the road. As on the DS 7 Crossback, the night vision camera is also present, as well as the camera allowing to scan all the imperfections of the road to adapt its suspensions in real time.

DS 4, the new benchmark?

In the end, even if it appears slightly behind engine side, the new DS 4 imposes on its competitors in terms of design, interior quality, roominess and technologies. While waiting to know what it is worth driving in hand, it thus appears as a more than credible alternative to the German premium in the compact sedan segment. Especially if its price, still unknown to date, is also very competitive ….