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Iceman
June 12th, 2007, 17:20
http://www.autozeitung.de/online/bildDB/58859_700.jpg

Hans.

JavierNuvolari
June 12th, 2007, 18:47
Looks nice. So this would be competition for the A class Merc?

Iceman
June 12th, 2007, 18:55
Looks nice. So this would be competition for the A class Merc?
No competition for the BMW Mini.

Hans.

Leadfoot
June 12th, 2007, 21:20
A very funky design and deserves to be built in my opinion. Much better than the A2.

PeterJohn
June 12th, 2007, 21:31
Whatever it will look like, the A1 is a sure thing. Volkswagen Vorst has stopped producing the Golf, and the Factory has now been renamed Audi Brussels. They are now producing A3s, but under pressure from the workers union, who were concerned with the future of the factory, Audi has had to verify the production of the A1. Starting september 2009.

An early rumour said it would be based on the MKIV platform. That would make sense b/c the Vorst factory used to produce that platform, so it would be easy to set up the production.

Iceman
October 15th, 2007, 16:31
A new one by Larson.

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/15/9071015.008/9071015.008.1L.jpg

Hans.

HKS786
October 15th, 2007, 16:58
Thanks hans, that's my fav so far. It's based purely on the leaked sketch. I changed the roof though:

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w239/J78628/90710150081L1.jpg

HKS786
October 15th, 2007, 17:02
Infact, the PS above would be better with the grille and headlights from here:

http://www.autozeitung.de/online/bildDB/58859_700.jpg

I prefer the side intakes from the blue one though ;)

Leadfoot
October 15th, 2007, 19:02
I must say that if this is the same car as the A1 from the other thread then clearly a different viewing angle makes all the difference to how one's opinion can change because this round I love the looks of it. Very Audi-ish in it's appearance.

+44 Dave
October 15th, 2007, 19:43
Love the blue one, it looks really sporty but the other one i dont like the headlights however the shape would be good if worked on.

chewym
October 16th, 2007, 04:33
An early rumour said it would be based on the MKIV platform. That would make sense b/c the Vorst factory used to produce that platform, so it would be easy to set up the production.

That would make the A1 10 years behind the competition. I am thinking it will be based on the next gen Polo internals.

itisme
October 16th, 2007, 09:35
That would make the A1 10 years behind the competition. I am thinking it will be based on the next gen Polo internals.

As far as I know is the next gen Polo based on current Skoda Fabia.

The A1 being based on the A3 or the Golf VI would make it too heavy and too big for its class.

itisme
October 18th, 2007, 14:15
here you go:

official A1 Concept

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071018.009/first-photos-audi-a1-metroproject-quattro-concept



http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/18/9071018.009/9071018.009.Mini2L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/18/9071018.009/9071018.009.Mini6L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/18/9071018.009/9071018.009.Mini10L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/18/9071018.009/9071018.009.Mini16L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/18/9071018.009/9071018.009.Mini17L.jpg

I would trade in my polo in any time for this car!

Damienr8
October 18th, 2007, 14:39
I like the headlights, overall asthetics and the "Audi Eardrum". Looks Vera Nasss
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5841/boratdonkey3as1.jpg

RussianM3_dude
October 18th, 2007, 15:23
Looks, like caca. I don't think Mini or Alfa Junior have much to fear. This thing will eat into A3 sales.

Phage
October 18th, 2007, 15:39
I don't know, theres something with the front that makes me not like it as much as i would like to.

Proportions aren't right.

Phage
October 18th, 2007, 15:41
On this image it looks like a 500 or ypsilon on steroids

http://www.autoweek.nl/images/800/2/5d847b7a96c71a8f0a54ba2763ad3052.jpg

RussianM3_dude
October 18th, 2007, 16:05
It's the East German female weight lifter of chick cars.

Phage
October 18th, 2007, 16:38
about 15 minutes of quick warping.

http://home.kpnplanet.nl/~henkolieman@kpnplanet.nl/A1.gif

itisme
October 18th, 2007, 22:32
It's the East German female weight lifter of chick cars.

I read about a ton of statements of you on this forum.

my question for you is: if you dislike Audi this much as you are talking, why are you still registered, or why did you even registern on an Audi Forum?

Leadfoot
October 18th, 2007, 22:39
I read about a ton of statements of you on this forum.

my question for you is: if you dislike Audi this much as you are talking, why are you still registered, or why did you even registern on an Audi Forum?

God know why he's here. I perfer Audi but would bad mouth other brand in such as way as M3_dude does, clearly a man/boy with issues.

I think my positive review of the new M3 really hit a nerve as lately his remarks are very negative. Clearly an Audi person liking an M car is not allowed in his eyes.:hihi:

AU-297
October 18th, 2007, 22:43
No ones mentioned this... but the concept car is a Hybrid.

Leadfoot
October 18th, 2007, 22:51
Hybrids are the way forward for manufactures who want to still produce hi-performance cars like the RS, AMG and M. Co2 levels across the board have to be met and hybrids are currently the best way to meet this without dropping the models we all hold dear.

Though in the case of these A1 I am finding it hard to understand why something with a 1.4L engine would require electric motors.

itisme
October 18th, 2007, 22:55
God know why he's here. I perfer Audi but would bad mouth other brand in such as way as M3_dude does, clearly a man/boy with issues.

I think my positive review of the new M3 really hit a nerve as lately his remarks are very negative. Clearly an Audi person liking an M car is not allowed in his eyes.:hihi:

looks like..



all I can say is my opinion. I think that Audi is going to earn a lot with that car... Mini and Fiat have no chance. What can Mini or Fiat offer? The engines are crap. Tons of Magazines have said that Mini engines are really not the top and we all know about the qualitiy of Fiat. They do look good, there is no discussion needed on that point. But in quality and technic they won't gain anything compared to the Audi A1. That's what I think.

Benman
October 18th, 2007, 23:52
I read about a ton of statements of you on this forum.

my question for you is: if you dislike Audi this much as you are talking, why are you still registered, or why did you even registern on an Audi Forum?

AMEN!!!

Back on topic...

If the A1 comes Stateside... in diesel format, I'd consider it. More likely though, I'd get a Loremo, but we'll see.

Ben:addict:

itisme
October 19th, 2007, 07:46
Will a hybrid really come to the final production?

I'd say, that a hybrid in this segment must be really expansive. We'll see. Hopefully it's not going to end like the A2 which was a great concept, but for customers too early released. There was no market yet. Maybe now time is right for the A1...

greetz

tazsura
October 19th, 2007, 09:18
I luv it. My name is going down ASAP. The look is exactly what i was after, much mor aggresive than the Mini. Read ----> more manly! I wouldn't feel like a pansy driving this!

Well done Audi! Now just hurry up and build it....

Taz :bow:

mm1
October 23rd, 2007, 07:26
In my opinion it has something from NSU TT, and that`s not a bad thing at all. I like (Borats voice)!

RussianM3_dude
October 23rd, 2007, 10:39
looks like..



all I can say is my opinion. I think that Audi is going to earn a lot with that car... Mini and Fiat have no chance. What can Mini or Fiat offer? The engines are crap. Tons of Magazines have said that Mini engines are really not the top and we all know about the qualitiy of Fiat. They do look good, there is no discussion needed on that point. But in quality and technic they won't gain anything compared to the Audi A1. That's what I think.

Well, the MINI is great to drive and the 500 is cheap and well designed. The A1 just looks like a shrunk next-gen A3. It's completely forgettable.

RussianM3_dude
October 23rd, 2007, 10:40
I read about a ton of statements of you on this forum.

my question for you is: if you dislike Audi this much as you are talking, why are you still registered, or why did you even registern on an Audi Forum?

Because I drive one??? Aber ich mag nicht mein Auto... ein autobahn panzer.

RussianM3_dude
October 23rd, 2007, 10:41
I luv it. My name is going down ASAP. The look is exactly what i was after, much mor aggresive than the Mini. Read ----> more manly! I wouldn't feel like a pansy driving this!

Well done Audi! Now just hurry up and build it....

Taz :bow:

So you let a car define your masculinity??? :p

tazsura
October 23rd, 2007, 10:45
Well, the MINI is great to drive and the 500 is cheap and well designed. The A1 just looks like a shrunk next-gen A3. It's completely forgettable.

Where have you seen the next-gen A3?

MINI...hmmm I think i've seen it before..oh yeh, about 5 or so years ago when the first nex-gen MINI arrived. Who said that Porsche desginers were lazy...Lol!

500...very cute. But girly.

Taz :wo:

tazsura
October 23rd, 2007, 10:47
So you let a car define your masculinity??? :p

No, i let my girl define that.

Taz :D

RussianM3_dude
October 23rd, 2007, 10:56
If anything, the 500/Mini are true chick magnets. I'd buy one just to join the owners club. Half the Mini drivers here are girls and half of them are hot, vapid, spoiled Daddy's girls.

tazsura
October 23rd, 2007, 11:02
I don't need a car to get a girl dude.

Taz :revs:

tazsura
October 23rd, 2007, 11:03
Back to Topic.

Is it only going to be an Auto type gearbox only, or will there be a full manual?

Taz :stick:

Sanjuro
October 23rd, 2007, 16:29
I don't need a car to get a girl dude.

Taz :revs:

Hey leave the poor guy alone. It's bad enough he has nothing in life better to do than spend half his time on an Audi forum bagging Audi without people picking on him.

People use forums like this to reach out for human contact when they don't feel up to calling samaritans or other anti depression counsellors. We need to care for these people when the system can't as part of our basic humanitarian obligation. You be careful now. We appear to be bringing light to an otherwise dark and colourless life.


Will be interesting to see how Audi is approaching the hybrid drivetrain.

RussianM3_dude
October 23rd, 2007, 16:46
Right on Doc!!!!

Anyways, I think that the A1 will have a fight on it's hands. Mini/500/Abarth/AlfaJunior/BMWCity etc...

Sanjuro
October 23rd, 2007, 23:40
There you're right - the French also have some interesting stuff.

AU-297
October 24th, 2007, 03:42
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRrULs3K07g

AU-297
October 24th, 2007, 03:59
http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/34226/a1.jpg
Short version High tech in compact form Audi metroproject quattro At the Tokyo Motor Show (24.10. - 11.11.2007) Audi is unveiling the metroproject quattro, an original, characteristically Audi design study for the sub-compact segment. The three-door four-seater car blends dynamic styling with exemplary economy of space and supreme quality in trailblazing fashion. At the same time, a series of visionary technical solutions take efficiency, dynamism and motoring pleasure into new territory as only Audi knows how. The drive unit for the metroproject quattro showcases a fully independent, innovative hybrid technology. At work under the bonnet is a 1.4.litre TFSI engine developing 110 kW (150 bhp), whose power is directed to the front wheels by means of the S-tronic Direct Shift Gearbox. A 30 kW (41 bhp) electric motor positioned on the rear axle is able to deliver up to an additional 200 Nm of torque when the vehicle is accelerating. When boosting, in other words driving the vehicle simultaneously by TFSI and electric motor to achieve a dynamic driving style, the study is transformed from a front-wheel-drive car to a quattro, and power is transferred to the road in the most effective way possible. The electric motor is furthermore capable of powering the vehicle alone for zero-emission driving in residential areas, for instance. The capacity of the lithium-ion batteries gives the vehicle a range of up to 100 km in pure electric mode; the motor can be recharged from any power socket. The automatic start/stop facility, energy regeneration and phases of purely electrical operation reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of the Audi metroproject quattro by around 15 percent compared to when it is running exclusively on the combustion engine. Despite its sporty performance (0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, top speed of 201 km/h), the study uses just 4.9 litres of premium fuel for every 100 km, while CO2 emissions average a mere 112 g/km. 2/11

Design Exterior The concept car's styling is simple and coherent, making it look as if it has been cast from a single mould. The basic proportions, with a high vehicle body and a flat window area bordered by a coupé-like roof line, produce a virtually classic look for a vehicle bearing the four rings. Tracing the roof's silhouette are two striking, sturdy aluminium arches which run along the top edge of the windows to connect the A and C-posts, further emphasising the dynamic appeal of the powerfully built, compact vehicle body. The tail is rounded off by a spoiler integrated into the rear window. The side-on view presents another typical coupé attribute in the form of doors with frameless windows and no visible B-pillar. The bold segmentation of the study's side panelling with its gently rising shoulder line accentuates the styling. The shoulder line of the Audi metroproject quattro with its Racing Red paint finish is a new interpretation of yet another trademark feature of the current Audi design. Here, the prominent double lines continue around the entire vehicle as a curvaceous band that links the front end – from which it seems to emerge – with the vehicle's tail, that rises to create a slightly wedge-shaped effect. At the front, the metroproject quattro's lowered bonnet that is virtually embedded into the shoulder line forms a novel styling element. The single-frame grille with its chequered-flag look and four interlinking rings leaves no doubt as to the study's sporty temperament, an impression that is further underlined by the aluminium finish on elements such as the grille, mirror housings, door handles, fuel filler cap and tailpipes. The design of the three-dimensional main headlights in innovative LED technology is especially eye-catching. The reflectors focus the light emitted by each diode to create a powerful, uniform beam whose white light colour barely places any strain on the driver's eyes, even when driving for long distances at night. 3/11

The daytime running lights are also based on LED technology, which promises extra-low energy consumption in addition to its design benefits. The two-tone multipiece wheels that have been embellished by the addition of V-shaped polished aluminium elements lend further emphasis to the vehicle's sportiness and exclusiveness. The wraparound tailgate joins the sides with the tail. The sculpture-like tail lights with their three-dimensional glass lens design extend far into the vehicle's flanks. When the tailgate is opened, the discreetly illuminated electric motor can be viewed through a glass panel, in similar fashion to the R8's engine. The luggage compartment itself holds a respectable 240 litres. The body of the Audi metroproject quattro makes optimum use of the modest-sized footprint of a premium compact-class car. Measuring 3.91 m long and 1.75 m wide with a wheelbase of 2.46 m, it succeeds in combining sporty looks with impressive economy of space thanks to its short overhangs. The transverse installation of the engine also has a significant role to play in this respect. Meanwhile, the vehicle's height of 1.40 m means there is plenty of headroom in the rear too. Interior The interior, with its four individual seats and a surprisingly generous amount of spaciousness for this class, has a tidy, no-frills appearance. The curving wrap-around element merges the doors and the sporty cockpit into a single whole. The dashboard and centre console are designed entirely around the driver. Ergonomics and aesthetics unite to create an ambience of clear-cut architecture and high-class appeal. This impression is further enhanced by the two-tone colour concept. The instrument cluster shroud, the wraparound and the centre console are trimmed in a contrasting colour to inject the interior with added dynamism. Details such as the air vents and air conditioning controls seem to be straight out of a jet plane. This same thinking was behind the soft finish of the interior's surfaces. The round dials and the air vents, which are also circular, are reminiscent of a classic sports car cockpit à la Audi TT. 4/11

The aluminium insert in the centre console comprises the Audi mobile device as well as the start/stop button behind the gear lever. In the rear portion of the centre console can be found a thermos flask featuring an innovative cooling and heating system. The sporty seats with integrated head restraints offer levels of comfort and ergonomics that far exceed the customary standards in the sub-compact class and live up to the expectations of a typical Audi. The materials used for both the seat upholstery and the interior trim appeal with their high-class looks and feel. The contrasting colour scheme featuring dark panels and red stitching adds substance to the car’s overall sporty character. Audi mobile device – form and function The centre console houses a new, innovative technology: the removable Audi mobile device. This portable unit functions as an access authorisation system for the vehicle, mobile phone, navigation unit and audio and video player all in one. Plus, it serves as the control unit for numerous vehicle systems which can also be set from outside the Audi metroproject quattro. The mobile device offers the entire range of functions and exact same menu navigation as the MMI system and integrates a host of communications devices that were previously only available separately into a single, extremely space-efficient unit. This allows the driver to use the compact device as an MP3 player, for example, or as an address database and input tool for the navigation system. What's more, he can switch on the vehicle's heating if required and program the sound system to suit his personal preferences, all from the comfort of his own home. Access and start authorisation for the Audi metroproject quattro is also provided by the Audi mobile device, dispensing with the need for a key. The unit is operated using a touchscreen, whose architecture replicates the MMI standard. The touch-sensitive screen is capable of recognising both Latin and Japanese characters, and is even able to decipher handwriting. The Audi mobile device and vehicle communicate via a WLAN connection. 5/11

The Audi mobile device also offers the vehicle owner an extra security function: images from a camera in the vehicle interior can be received on the device's display in real time. If the vehicle alarm is triggered, the system activates itself and warns the owner. Should the vehicle be stolen and move out of the WLAN connection's range, the electronics automatically switch to the car phone's UMTS transmitter to keep the owner informed of the vehicle's current location. The MMI control unit is an advanced version of the tried-and-trusted MMI design whose haptics make it easier to operate whilst on the move. Grouped around the central control button are four fixed-function hardkeys for the Navigation, Telephone, Car and Media basic menus. Four additional, backlit softkeys have variable functions which change within the individual menus. The projected softkey labels combine with the bold softkey colours that identify the corresponding menus to ensure swift, intuitive user orientation. Compared to the series-production variants, the system's display seems relatively small at just 1.5 inches high. This is because all system information additionally appears in the central display in the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster has a hybrid design, featuring both TFT modules as well as analogue gauges for the large speedometer and rev counter dials. Superimposed glass elements make the graphics stand out with a three-dimensional look, producing a level of depth which could never be attained using a standard display. The layout of the MMI display likewise features a new element. The selectable functions are arranged in a semicircle as icons. As the driver turns the central MMI control button, the icons mimic the movement until the desired function is selected by pushing the button. Content can therefore be communicated by means of a distinctive visual language, allowing it to be grasped faster and more intuitively than with pure text. 6/11

Audi drive select The Audi metroproject quattro is equipped with the same Audi drive select system that can be ordered as an option for the current generation of the bestselling Audi A4. This enables the driver to pre-select one of two specially adapted configurations for the drivetrain, shift characteristics and magnetic ride shock absorbers. The default setting is the "efficiency" mode, which is automatically activated every time the engine is started. In this mode, the engine and transmission respond gently to use of the accelerator and shift paddles. This setting is ideal for a relaxed driving style, as well as offering tremendous potential for effectively lowering fuel consumption, and therefore emissions too. In the "efficiency" mode, the electric motor is not deployed as a source of additional torque; instead it is run selectively as the sole power source to bring about a tangible reduction in consumption. For this purpose, the system makes use of a host of parameters which can be fed to it via the navigation system. Thanks to the navigation system's ability to detect differences in altitude along the route, regeneration phases as well as the increase in energy requirements on inclines can be computed before the journey has even started. This also makes for particularly efficient vehicle operation by harnessing the electric motor to optimum effect. On predefined routes with access to a mains power socket at the destination, the Audi metroproject quattro can cover distances of up to 100 kilometres running purely on electrical power – and swiftly too: it is capable of reaching a speed of considerably more than 100 km/h. The combustion engine only cuts in again once battery capacity has dropped to below 20 percent of maximum. The "efficiency" mode also flashes up messages in the central display advising the driver to deactivate energy-intensive systems, such as the automatic air conditioning's compressor, or close any open windows.
7/11

The dynamic mode is designed to produce the dynamic yet comfortable driving sensation that is so typical of the brand and that Audi drivers have come to expect of their car. In this mode, the vehicle's electronics also harness the torque available from the electric motor to achieve extra-sporty acceleration along with excellent lateral dynamics. Drivetrain Characteristic Audi sportiness plus a whole new dimension in efficiency – it is all down to the novel combination of a state-of-the-art turbocharged FSI engine with an electric motor and innovative control electronics. Under the bonnet of the Audi metroproject quattro sits a four-cylinder TFSI with a capacity of 1.4 litres and a turbocharger. This engine is an advanced version of the unit that made its series production debut in the Audi A3 only a few months ago. Whereas the 1.4 TFSI musters 92 kW (125 bhp) in the A3, it delivers 110 kW (150 bhp) at 5,500 rpm in the study. Its peak torque of 240 Nm is on tap over a broad rev band from 1,600 – 4,000 rpm. The Audi engineers have long since proven the performance potential of turbocharged FSI technology, both on race tracks around the world and out on the road. Indeed, a jury of experts awarded the accolade of "Engine of the Year" to the 2.0 TFSI for the third year in succession in 2007. The new 1.4 TFSI builds on this very same concept in order to maximise efficiency on the one hand and performance on the other. Multi-hole injectors result in very homogeneous mixture formation and extremely efficient combustion. This is also an effective means of helping to cut pollutant emissions. The integrated turbocharger promises optimised responsiveness and even more harmonious torque build-up. 80 percent of peak torque can be summoned up from as low down as 1,250 rpm, in other words barely above idling speed. And despite its power, the 1.4 TFSI sets new benchmark standards in its class for its acoustic output too. 8/11

Front-wheel drive + rear-wheel drive = quattro Power transmission to the front wheels is the task of the sporty Audi S-tronic Direct Shift Gearbox. It allows drivers to make lightning-fast gear changes, without a clutch pedal and without any interruption in the power flow. Gearshifts can also be fully automated if desired. If drivers wish to change gear manually, they can do so by using the shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. Reverse and Park, meanwhile, are engaged using the shift lever knob on the centre console. When running on the combustion engine alone, drive power is delivered to the study's front wheels. If it is being propelled purely by the electric motor, on the other hand, the vehicle is transformed into a rear-wheel-drive car. The 30 kW (41 bhp) electric motor transmits its power directly to the rear wheels; the differential compensates for any slip on one side. When the two drive units are working in unison, however, the Audi metroproject is transformed into a genuine quattro and can count on all the benefits of four-wheel-drive system. This ensures that the high torque of 440 Newton metres in total – 240 Nm from the 1.4 TFSI plus an extra 200 Nm from the electric motor – is transformed into the required level of tractive power when accelerating. Overrun, or the regeneration phase as it is known, is one of this vehicle concept’s most important instruments for optimising efficiency: the braking energy released during deceleration phases is transformed back into electrical energy instead of it being released as heat and wasted. 9/11

The Audi metroproject quattro can in principle run self-sufficiently, using mixed operation of the combustion engine and electric motor. Thanks to intelligent control of the two drive units, energy regeneration as well as the automatic start/stop facility, fuel consumption drops by around 16 percent compared to a vehicle running on the petrol engine alone. Although the components of the electric motor add around 70 kilograms to the overall weight, the study still only burns 4.9 litres of premium fuel per 100 km in mixed mode, while CO2 emissions average just 112 g/km. Pure electrical operation over shorter distances, however, is a particularly attractive alternative offered by this vehicle that benefits the environment and the owner's wallet alike – all the more so considering that the performance achieved in this mode and the range of over 100 kilometres are perfectly satisfactory. "Refuelling" the Audi metroproject quattro from power sockets alone, therefore, produces an unequivocal result: even allowing for the relatively high domestic electricity costs in Germany, it is still possible to achieve a saving of around €6.50 for every 100 km – or 70 percent – compared to the price of premium fuel. Chassis The second fundamental ingredient for outstanding handling dynamics is supplied by the sophisticated chassis design, comprising McPherson front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension. Large 18-inch wheels with size 225/35 R18 tyres boost both driving pleasure and safety. The dynamic chassis is tuned for sporty, agile handling combined with excellent stability, and makes cornering a particular delight. What's more, the chassis excels with a level of ride comfort befitting of higher vehicle classes. The braking system with its large-diameter discs (measuring 312 mm across at the front wheels) is more than a match for the drive power. Bred on the racetrack, the system promises outstanding, fade-free stopping power. 10/11

11/11
The electromechanical steering with speed-sensitive power assistance is also a boon for agile handling. The system boasts optimum steering feel combined with low sensitivity to road surface excitation and a considerable reduction in energy consumption. The specific strengths of the four-link suspension stem from the way in which it splits the functions for absorbing longitudinal and lateral forces. This permits a high level of lateral rigidity on the one hand for optimum dynamism and driving safety, while offering a great degree of longitudinal flexibility on the other to improve ride comfort. The shock absorbers deploy a highly innovative technology in the form of Audi magnetic ride, which has already made its mark in the Audi R8 high-performance sports car and in the TT. Here, the conventional shock absorber fluid is replaced by a magneto-rheological fluid whose viscosity can be controlled by means of an electromagnetic field. This effect allows the damping characteristics to be adapted electronically at any time by energising the electromagnets. Audi magnetic ride capitalises on this quality to make the appropriate damping forces available in any driving situation, thereby optimising both ride comfort and performance dynamics. A computer linked up to a system of sensors interprets the current driving situation with split-second speed. At the same time, drivers are able to choose between two different drive modes, depending on whether they wish to have a distinctly sporty drive – with the magneto-rheological fluid at a low viscosity – or a more comfort-oriented ride.

RussianM3_dude
October 24th, 2007, 08:14
I don't like this hybrid system. In a Lexus, it gives the impression that the front and rear wheels are not connected to each other and have a mind of their own. It will be no drivers car, that's for sure.

Sanjuro
October 24th, 2007, 09:09
It will be no drivers car, that's for sure.

Thank you for your input - it is amazing how much smarter than all these professional engineers you are.

Those crazy Germans.

But I like this car. The concept of having so much torque available from such an economical set up is really interesting. The thing is that unlike what our learned colleague suspects the engineers actually thought about that and found a way to match the outputs against an optimum balance through an acceleration curve. In much the way that Nissan have heavier acceleration at the rear in the ATESSA system (or whatever it is called) they also have a balance as the rear with the electric engine.

Audi had a similar car on sale from 1989, the Duo - which had some acceptance int he market but the price was never able to be justified in those times but it was a similar concept.

It looks really agressive too at the front - better than I had initially thought. Still not sold on the roof but the production version may have alternatives.

tazsura
October 24th, 2007, 09:11
I don't like this hybrid system. In a Lexus, it gives the impression that the front and rear wheels are not connected to each other and have a mind of their own. It will be no drivers car, that's for sure.

So your condemning all Hybrids having driven only Lexus' version? Does that mean you'd condemn all petrol engines having only driven their petrol versions too?!

Please...

Taz :MTM:

tazsura
October 24th, 2007, 09:14
Thanks for the pics Sanjuro!

Your right, looks better in your pics. Can't wait for the production version...

Taz :bow: