Erik
March 11th, 2004, 12:08
This is from a recent press release. Might be interesting to know more about the background of the company who built the RS6.
Remember it's quattro with a small q. :D
quattro GmbH – an overview
(Status: February 2004)
BASIC PRESS INFORMATION
Sports appeal, individuality and exclusivity
quattro GmbH has stood for a very special flavour of lifestyle to complement cars that sport the four-ring badge since as far back as 1983. This fully-owned subsidiary of AUDI AG offers friends and followers of the Audi brand an extensive range of high-tech products, customised programmes and lifestyle articles. It adds a special note of individuality, sporting appeal and exclusivity to the "Vorsprung durch Technik" for which Audi is renowned. quattro GmbH supports Audi through its sporty and individual products. Its aim is to satisfy exceptionally challenging requirements to an exceptionally high degree.
One of its most famous brand names made its debut in 1980: the Audi quattro. This high-performance coupé not only took the world of rally competition by storm with its permanent four-wheel drive but added considerable weight to the Audi brand claim "Vorsprung durch Technik". The impressive quality of the new drive technology soon elevated the term "quattro" to the status of much more than a technical designation: quattro evolved into the brand name for out-and-out quality from a premium manufacturer.
In 1983 quattro GmbH, as a fully-owned subsidiary of AUDI AG, became synonymous with an entirely independent product range. With its many years of experience, quattro GmbH is now able to satisfy customer preferences for even greater individuality under the label of "Audi exclusive". Its range of equipment items extends from exclusive paint finishes, fine leather and stylish woods to sports-style wheels and modern communication technology. "S line sports packages" and various individual options satisfy customer demands for enhanced sports character. The range is completed by the extensive selection of lifestyle articles in the "Audi collection". quattro GmbH has in addition developed a quite exceptional high-performance vehicle in the Audi RS 6.
quattro GmbH employs around 340 people, including some 175 in production and logistics. Its administration, development and production activities are based in Neckarsulm, whereas sales and marketing operations are controlled from Ingolstadt. The company generated revenue of EUR 200 million in the 2003 financial year.
Audi RS 6: High performance with personality
The current Audi RS 6 is the second independent high-performance vehicle that has been created by quattro GmbH and developed in conjunction with AUDI AG. It impressively demonstrates the far-reaching technological expertise of quattro GmbH.A total of around 7,000 Audi RS 6 models had been sold worldwide by the end of 2003.
The V8 biturbo engine of the Audi RS 6 has an output of 331 kW (450 bhp) and is capable of a most impressive performance. The efficiency of the two turbochargers is further enhanced by two large, pressure-loss optimised intercoolers. This 4.2-litre engine with five valves per cylinder reaches its peak torque of 560 Nm across a wide range of engine speeds, from 1950 to 5600 rpm.
The top speed of the Audi RS 6 is governed at 250 km/h; it sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds and up to 200 km/h in 17.6 seconds. It thus achieves performances superior to many sports cars. The Audi RS 6 is the first model to be equipped with the innovative suspension concept Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). The shock absorbers are at the same time hydraulically connected in a diagonal line. This damper system counteracts pitching and rolling movements of the vehicle along its longitudinal and transverse axes.
The design of this extreme sports specialist is restrained. A low front apron with three air intake apertures and diamond-patterned grilles, discreet side sills and a rear spoiler above a redesigned rear apron add a tastefully restrained note. The standard-fit tiptronic five-speed automatic transmission incorporates a dynamic Sport program. The S drive position pushes each individual gear up to higher speed at full throttle and permits swifter downshifts. The RS 6 driver can also make manual gear changes at any time by briefly pressing the selector lever or by pressing the shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Audi exclusive: From series product to unique specimen
Personality calls for individual expression, for tailor-made concepts in response to particular needs. The Audi exclusive customisation programme gives the vehicle a character all of its own. quattro GmbH customises Audi vehicles precisely according to the buyer's personal preferences and tastes. One of the most common custom options is a special paint finish in virtually any shade or hue. There is only one restriction here: the paint used must be water-soluble, to ensure that it is environmentally compatible.
quattro GmbH likewise offers an extensive range of options for upgrading the interior. This comprises 18 different leather colours, available in the two leather grades Valcona and Fine Nappa, plus Alcantara in ten colour versions. To match the leather, the inlays on the dash panel, the centre console and the doors can be given an individual touch with noble-wood appointments. Burls and trunk sections are steamed, sliced into thin veneers and seasoned at length. These veneers are then moistened, flattened and trimmed. The next stage involves pressing the blank at 130 degrees Celsius. Every element is ground by hand, then cured, varnished and polished – a process almost as intricate as crafting a violin.
Exclusive carpets in ten colours guarantee comfort and style under foot too. High-grade floor mats with leather borders in the required colour are also available. The Audi exclusive range of customisation programmes have been developed for each model and are available for all model lines.
quattro GmbH customises around 25 vehicles a day in accordance with the highest quality standards. After internal quality checks and function tests, vehicles return to the volume-production line for the final acceptance test.
S line embodies sports appeal and emotions
In the hierarchy of the Audi sports world, the independent RS models from quattro GmbH are high-performance vehicles in the noble sports car segment. The Audi S4 and S6, on the other hand, form the sporting spearhead of their respective model line. The S models enhance their fascination potential and emotional appeal through their distinctive sporting properties. Through characteristics such as particularly powerful engines, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and sporty interior they provide pure driving experience.
Between the S models and the standard Audi model lines, the S line sports package from quattro GmbH provides entry into the Audi sports world with recognisable, but discreet differences. S line sports packages are available for the current Audi A2, A3, A4, A6 and TT models. The styling of the S line sports packages is characterised by S line sports suspension and 17" or 18” aluminium wheels. The S line emblem at the rear side of the vehicle is another differentiating feature.
In the interior, sports seats with side seat sections in black leather and centre seat panel in "Speed" cloth, 3-spoke sports steering wheel and gear knob in black perforated leather and headlining and add-on parts in black underscore the sporting appearance. As the S line sports packages are tailored to the particular features of each model, the ranges for each model have additional specific equipment options - such as an aluminium gear knob for the Audi TT.
Audi collection: something individual for individualists
There is increasing demand among Audi customers for other products that are associated with their car in a looser sense. To them, the lifestyle articles that are part of the Audi collection represent a special outlook on life that goes beyond the extensive Audi model range. The Audi collection comprises four product lines: the Audi design collection, Audi sport collection, Audi authentic collection and Audi tradition collection.
Audi design collection
The Audi design collection comprises exclusively designed products of an innovative character from the Audi design department. The Audi brand's claim to high design standards is reflected in each individual article. From watches, sunglasses and luggage to high-quality clothing and leather articles, each item combines excellent craftsmanship with high-quality materials.
Audi sport collection
The Audi sport collection is aimed above all at Audi enthusiasts fascinated by motor sport. This collection consequently contains products in the typical Audi motor sport colours: for example, multifunctional jackets, reversible caps and an extensive range of bags.
Audi authentic collection
The Audi authentic products form the basis of a professed Audi fan's collection. Aluminium-look watches are noted for their modern design. And items of clothing such as T-shirts, jackets, scarves and baseball caps are sporty and leisure-oriented.
Audi tradition collection
The Audi tradition collection looks back over the illustrious history of the Audi brand. As well as exclusive textiles and selected collector's items, this collection brings together a number of memorabilia that evoke the history of Audi. Famous product names such as DKW, Horch, Wanderer and NSU point to those brands in which Auto Union and then AUDI AG had their historical roots. The range of miniature cars calls to mind the highlights of a long model history. The vast array of models extends from nostalgic 1:90 scale replicas manufactured by Schuco to the handmade precision model of the Auto Union Type C racing car to a scale of 1:20. In addition, there are detailed collectors' models to scales of 1:87, 1:43 or 1:18, as well as versions of the Audi TT and the 1999 Le Mans-winning R8 with remote control.
New Audi bikes: High-tech Audi design on two wheels
quattro GmbH also opens up special opportunities for mobility on two wheels: the second generation of the successful Audi bikes provides that special extra something for experienced mountain-bike riders and leisure riders alike. These bikes reflect the same expertise that is behind the cars produced by Audi: sportiness, original design, innovative technology and top quality standards for materials and manufacturing. The stars in the premium Audi bike range for 2003 are the mountain bikes Audi Cross Pro Mavic, Audi Cross Pro and Audi Cross. These take over from their predecessors of the same name and feature innovations in the areas of frame construction, gear and brake components that have been developed over the past two years. Audi Design was responsible for designing these bikes. quattro GmbH worked together with the Audi Aluminium Centre in Neckarsulm on their development and realisation. The frame and seat tower, for example, are unique in-house developments.
:rs6kiss: :addict:
Remember it's quattro with a small q. :D
quattro GmbH – an overview
(Status: February 2004)
BASIC PRESS INFORMATION
Sports appeal, individuality and exclusivity
quattro GmbH has stood for a very special flavour of lifestyle to complement cars that sport the four-ring badge since as far back as 1983. This fully-owned subsidiary of AUDI AG offers friends and followers of the Audi brand an extensive range of high-tech products, customised programmes and lifestyle articles. It adds a special note of individuality, sporting appeal and exclusivity to the "Vorsprung durch Technik" for which Audi is renowned. quattro GmbH supports Audi through its sporty and individual products. Its aim is to satisfy exceptionally challenging requirements to an exceptionally high degree.
One of its most famous brand names made its debut in 1980: the Audi quattro. This high-performance coupé not only took the world of rally competition by storm with its permanent four-wheel drive but added considerable weight to the Audi brand claim "Vorsprung durch Technik". The impressive quality of the new drive technology soon elevated the term "quattro" to the status of much more than a technical designation: quattro evolved into the brand name for out-and-out quality from a premium manufacturer.
In 1983 quattro GmbH, as a fully-owned subsidiary of AUDI AG, became synonymous with an entirely independent product range. With its many years of experience, quattro GmbH is now able to satisfy customer preferences for even greater individuality under the label of "Audi exclusive". Its range of equipment items extends from exclusive paint finishes, fine leather and stylish woods to sports-style wheels and modern communication technology. "S line sports packages" and various individual options satisfy customer demands for enhanced sports character. The range is completed by the extensive selection of lifestyle articles in the "Audi collection". quattro GmbH has in addition developed a quite exceptional high-performance vehicle in the Audi RS 6.
quattro GmbH employs around 340 people, including some 175 in production and logistics. Its administration, development and production activities are based in Neckarsulm, whereas sales and marketing operations are controlled from Ingolstadt. The company generated revenue of EUR 200 million in the 2003 financial year.
Audi RS 6: High performance with personality
The current Audi RS 6 is the second independent high-performance vehicle that has been created by quattro GmbH and developed in conjunction with AUDI AG. It impressively demonstrates the far-reaching technological expertise of quattro GmbH.A total of around 7,000 Audi RS 6 models had been sold worldwide by the end of 2003.
The V8 biturbo engine of the Audi RS 6 has an output of 331 kW (450 bhp) and is capable of a most impressive performance. The efficiency of the two turbochargers is further enhanced by two large, pressure-loss optimised intercoolers. This 4.2-litre engine with five valves per cylinder reaches its peak torque of 560 Nm across a wide range of engine speeds, from 1950 to 5600 rpm.
The top speed of the Audi RS 6 is governed at 250 km/h; it sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds and up to 200 km/h in 17.6 seconds. It thus achieves performances superior to many sports cars. The Audi RS 6 is the first model to be equipped with the innovative suspension concept Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). The shock absorbers are at the same time hydraulically connected in a diagonal line. This damper system counteracts pitching and rolling movements of the vehicle along its longitudinal and transverse axes.
The design of this extreme sports specialist is restrained. A low front apron with three air intake apertures and diamond-patterned grilles, discreet side sills and a rear spoiler above a redesigned rear apron add a tastefully restrained note. The standard-fit tiptronic five-speed automatic transmission incorporates a dynamic Sport program. The S drive position pushes each individual gear up to higher speed at full throttle and permits swifter downshifts. The RS 6 driver can also make manual gear changes at any time by briefly pressing the selector lever or by pressing the shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Audi exclusive: From series product to unique specimen
Personality calls for individual expression, for tailor-made concepts in response to particular needs. The Audi exclusive customisation programme gives the vehicle a character all of its own. quattro GmbH customises Audi vehicles precisely according to the buyer's personal preferences and tastes. One of the most common custom options is a special paint finish in virtually any shade or hue. There is only one restriction here: the paint used must be water-soluble, to ensure that it is environmentally compatible.
quattro GmbH likewise offers an extensive range of options for upgrading the interior. This comprises 18 different leather colours, available in the two leather grades Valcona and Fine Nappa, plus Alcantara in ten colour versions. To match the leather, the inlays on the dash panel, the centre console and the doors can be given an individual touch with noble-wood appointments. Burls and trunk sections are steamed, sliced into thin veneers and seasoned at length. These veneers are then moistened, flattened and trimmed. The next stage involves pressing the blank at 130 degrees Celsius. Every element is ground by hand, then cured, varnished and polished – a process almost as intricate as crafting a violin.
Exclusive carpets in ten colours guarantee comfort and style under foot too. High-grade floor mats with leather borders in the required colour are also available. The Audi exclusive range of customisation programmes have been developed for each model and are available for all model lines.
quattro GmbH customises around 25 vehicles a day in accordance with the highest quality standards. After internal quality checks and function tests, vehicles return to the volume-production line for the final acceptance test.
S line embodies sports appeal and emotions
In the hierarchy of the Audi sports world, the independent RS models from quattro GmbH are high-performance vehicles in the noble sports car segment. The Audi S4 and S6, on the other hand, form the sporting spearhead of their respective model line. The S models enhance their fascination potential and emotional appeal through their distinctive sporting properties. Through characteristics such as particularly powerful engines, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and sporty interior they provide pure driving experience.
Between the S models and the standard Audi model lines, the S line sports package from quattro GmbH provides entry into the Audi sports world with recognisable, but discreet differences. S line sports packages are available for the current Audi A2, A3, A4, A6 and TT models. The styling of the S line sports packages is characterised by S line sports suspension and 17" or 18” aluminium wheels. The S line emblem at the rear side of the vehicle is another differentiating feature.
In the interior, sports seats with side seat sections in black leather and centre seat panel in "Speed" cloth, 3-spoke sports steering wheel and gear knob in black perforated leather and headlining and add-on parts in black underscore the sporting appearance. As the S line sports packages are tailored to the particular features of each model, the ranges for each model have additional specific equipment options - such as an aluminium gear knob for the Audi TT.
Audi collection: something individual for individualists
There is increasing demand among Audi customers for other products that are associated with their car in a looser sense. To them, the lifestyle articles that are part of the Audi collection represent a special outlook on life that goes beyond the extensive Audi model range. The Audi collection comprises four product lines: the Audi design collection, Audi sport collection, Audi authentic collection and Audi tradition collection.
Audi design collection
The Audi design collection comprises exclusively designed products of an innovative character from the Audi design department. The Audi brand's claim to high design standards is reflected in each individual article. From watches, sunglasses and luggage to high-quality clothing and leather articles, each item combines excellent craftsmanship with high-quality materials.
Audi sport collection
The Audi sport collection is aimed above all at Audi enthusiasts fascinated by motor sport. This collection consequently contains products in the typical Audi motor sport colours: for example, multifunctional jackets, reversible caps and an extensive range of bags.
Audi authentic collection
The Audi authentic products form the basis of a professed Audi fan's collection. Aluminium-look watches are noted for their modern design. And items of clothing such as T-shirts, jackets, scarves and baseball caps are sporty and leisure-oriented.
Audi tradition collection
The Audi tradition collection looks back over the illustrious history of the Audi brand. As well as exclusive textiles and selected collector's items, this collection brings together a number of memorabilia that evoke the history of Audi. Famous product names such as DKW, Horch, Wanderer and NSU point to those brands in which Auto Union and then AUDI AG had their historical roots. The range of miniature cars calls to mind the highlights of a long model history. The vast array of models extends from nostalgic 1:90 scale replicas manufactured by Schuco to the handmade precision model of the Auto Union Type C racing car to a scale of 1:20. In addition, there are detailed collectors' models to scales of 1:87, 1:43 or 1:18, as well as versions of the Audi TT and the 1999 Le Mans-winning R8 with remote control.
New Audi bikes: High-tech Audi design on two wheels
quattro GmbH also opens up special opportunities for mobility on two wheels: the second generation of the successful Audi bikes provides that special extra something for experienced mountain-bike riders and leisure riders alike. These bikes reflect the same expertise that is behind the cars produced by Audi: sportiness, original design, innovative technology and top quality standards for materials and manufacturing. The stars in the premium Audi bike range for 2003 are the mountain bikes Audi Cross Pro Mavic, Audi Cross Pro and Audi Cross. These take over from their predecessors of the same name and feature innovations in the areas of frame construction, gear and brake components that have been developed over the past two years. Audi Design was responsible for designing these bikes. quattro GmbH worked together with the Audi Aluminium Centre in Neckarsulm on their development and realisation. The frame and seat tower, for example, are unique in-house developments.
:rs6kiss: :addict: