2015 AUDI A8 AND S8

The newly redesigned 2015 Audi A8 makes North American debut at NAIAS

• Audi A8 and S8 models redesigned for more sportiness, performance and luxury.
• More powerful 4.0T engine increases from 420 to 435 horsepower
• New front fascia and rear design including newly designed lights give Audi A8 model line an even more dynamic stance

I have had the pleasure of driving the A8 on some of the finest roads in America.  Every year the vehicle gets better.

The Audi A8 sedan receives an even more dynamic look for the 2015 model year. New LED headlamp design and powerful creases in the hood as well as newly designed grille, bumper, and splitter combine to give the A8 model line fascia a wider stance and a more dynamic presence. The rear of the A8 and S8 receive a new tail lamp and a new tailpipe design that further support the sportier exterior. The S8 also receives an available sport exhaust that allows passengers to audibly experience its powerful drive train.

“The Audi A8 sedan represents the pinnacle of Audi progressive luxury,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “Our flagship model was chosen by more customers every year since its introduction and the new 2015 A8 model line will continue to build upon that success.”

The new 2015 Audi A8 and S8 will arrive in the U.S. in the summer of 2014. Highlights include:

For 2015, the Audi A8 and S8 receive new front and rear designs that give all of the models a wider, more dynamic stance. The ASF® aluminum construction of the A8/S8 continues to provide exceptional rigidity and performance characteristics.
• Dynamic new front fascia including standard new LED headlights, hood,
Audi Singleframe® grille, bumper and splitter design combine for greater presence on the road
• New tail lamp and trapezoidal tailpipe design (oval quad tailpipes on S8)
• New selection of 20” wheels and five new exterior colors

Audi continues to offer industry leading technology that improves the driving experience for drivers and passengers alike including Audi Side assist and Audi pre sense® plus. The Audi MMI navigation plus system that includes Google Earth mapping, Google Voice local search functionality and a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices continues to be a benchmark for the segment. New driver safety assistance systems for the 2015 A8 model line are:

• Active lane assist helps keep the A8 between the lane markings through active steering adjustments should the vehicle drift across the lane markings
• Secondary collision assist automatically applies the brakes following a collision to help avoid possible secondary collisions
• Night vision assistant already offers pedestrian detection. Now animal detection is able to highlight larger animals such as deer and help provide a warning to the driver if the animal is in danger of entering the path of travel
• Head-up display for ease of viewing vehicle speed, navigation, automatic cruise control, Active lane assist and Night vision warning information projected onto windscreen
• Audi park assist  which will help steer the car into a parking space

All of the A8 model line engines offer excellent efficiency and performance.

The A8 TDI in particular continues to offer a great alternative for those wanting impressive efficiency without compromise, while the S8 impresses with its 520 horsepower. The A8 3.0 TFSI continues to be the entry into the A8 model range and the W12 represents the pinnacle of luxury. The new electromechanical power steering provides greater comfort and agility, while improving fuel efficiency. Changes to the 2015 engine offering include:

• A8 4.0T V8 increases horsepower from 420hp to 435hp
• W12 6.3 liter engine now with Cylinder On Demand technology

Luxury equipment such as available 22-way front and rear comfort seats with 5 different massage functions as well as heating and ventilation capabilities are just some of the elements that make the A8 interior the benchmark in the segment. New optimized elements that add to its luxury feel include:

• Significant acoustic measures for a quieter cabin and driving comfort
• Optimized trunk packaging for improved space and usability

The updated Audi S8 becomes even sportier with its new exterior design that further complements its exceptional performance characteristics.

• New interior design selection: Vermont brown leather interior paired with Carbon twill copper inlays combine the sporty character of the S8 with stunning elegance and craftsmanship
• Updated front fascia design with larger air intakes in the lower bumper and reduced use of chrome accents give a sportier look. New sport exhaust with wider oval quad tailpipes, rear diffusor and side sills in addition to the front and rear tail lamp changes round out the dynamic design of the Audi S8

I cannot wait to drive the new models. Whether the TDI or gasoline versions I will be surely impressed.

BRUCE HUBBARD

2014 RAM1500 Mosey Oak Edition Returns

 

The Ram 1500 Mossy Oak® Edition is back. Updated for 2014, the Mossy Oak Edition will now be available for the first time with the RamBox Cargo Management System, in both 6-ft.-4-in. and 5-ft.-7-in. bed lengths.

Originally introduced to the Ram Truck family in 2011, the Mossy Oak Edition is designed for enthusiasts who are passionate about the great outdoors.

The 2014 Ram 1500 Mossy Oak Edition will further extends the multi-tiered relationship between the Ram Truck brand and America’s top camouflage brand.

“Ram Truck is focused on the needs and wants of truck buyers,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our Ram Truck owners are passionate about hunting and fishing. The Ram Mossy Oak Edition gives hunting enthusiasts a way to proudly proclaim their love for the outdoors.“

Ram 1500 owner demographics illustrate a love for the outdoors: 30 percent hunt, 44 percent fish, 27 percent are boaters and 42 percent are campers. At our Fox Pointe Marina in Detroit we have professional captains who love their Ram trucks. Last count seven avid fishermen had Ram trucks outfitted for fishing and trailering.  Many have used MOPAR after market upgrades to individualize their Ram trucks.

"The Ram Truck brand has been a great partner to Mossy Oak," said Ronnie "Cuz" Strickland, EVP of Mossy Oak. "The people there love trucks, but they’re also into hunting and fishing and understand that their customers are, too. To have Ram take that relationship to the next level by offering a special Mossy Oak Edition speaks volumes about their commitment to hunters and Outdoorsmen and women, and we are extremely proud to partner with them."

The Mossy Oak Edition Ram 1500’s bedcaps and tailgate are covered in Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camouflage pattern and the Mossy Oak logo is prominently displayed on the rear quarter panels. Break-Up Infinity-patterned lower cladding is also available.

Inside, the center column of the Ram’s instrument panel is finished in Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity, as are the door panel inserts. The Mossy Oak logo is embroidered on the four primary headrests. Buyers also can opt for Espresso Tuscany-colored Katzkin Leather seats with Mossy Oak seatback embroidery.

The Ram Mossy Oak Edition is available exclusively as a Ram 1500 4x4 Crew Cab model, and is based on the popular Ram Outdoorsman.

Ram Mossy Oak Edition available colors include Black, Black Gold Pearl and Prairie Pearl monotone exterior, paired with Canyon Brown and Frost Beige interior.

According to Ram the Mossy Oak Edition trucks will arrive in dealerships in early 2014. Ram Mossy Oak Edition pricing starts at $39,985, plus $1,195 destination charge.

Ram Trucks and Mossy Oak brand camouflage are partners in a multiyear, multifaceted program aimed at America's outdoor enthusiasts.

The Ram Truck brand is a major sponsor of Mossy Oak-produced television shows airing on the Outdoor Channel and the Pursuit Channel. In addition to commercial slots, Ram Trucks are utilized by and featured in many of the shows.

Ram Truck is a full or presenting sponsor of:

• Hunting the Country, Outdoor Channel (Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET)
• Turkey Thugs (1Q/2Q) / Deer Thugs (3Q/4Q), Pursuit Channel (Mondays at 9 p.m.)
• Inside the Obsession, Pursuit Channel (Sundays at 9 p.m.)
• Gamekeepers, Pursuit Channel (Wednesdays at 9 p.m.)

Ram is the official truck of Mossy Oak and Mossy Oak is the official camo pattern of Ram Trucks.

Haas Outdoors Inc., headquartered in West Point, Miss., was established in 1986 and is home of Mossy Oak (www.mossyoak.com). Mossy Oak specializes in developing and marketing modern camouflage designs for hunters and outdoors people. Mossy Oak patterns can be found on a multitude of products worldwide. Haas Outdoors Inc. markets its services and products under widely recognized brands including: Mossy Oak, BioLogic, Mossy Oak Productions, MOOSE Media, Nativ Nurseries, GameKeepers and Mossy Oak Properties.

The Ram Truck previously announced its sponsorship of Pursuit Channel's "True North Wednesday." Pursuit Channel’s True North Wednesday programming block features shows -- such as Mossy Oak’s "Fist Full of Dirt" -- that focus on the conservationist aspects of hunting.

BRUCE HUBBARD

BRADLEY HUBBARD

BONNIE LYNCH

Dodge Dart Blacktop

Dodge Debuts New Dart Blacktop at 2014 North American International Auto Show

• With unique wheels, select exterior colors and Gloss Black accents throughout, Dodge brand’s popular Blacktop packages offer customization from the factory, giving vehicles a sporty, sinister look the Press Release from Dodge states.

The Dodge brand is expanding its lineup of Blacktop packages to the 2014 Dodge Dart, building on the success of the Blacktop packages already offered on Charger, Challenger, Avenger, Journey and Grand Caravan. The new 2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop package will debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

Built to give customers a sporty, distinct look customized by the factory at a tremendous value, the Dodge Blacktop vehicles add unique Gloss Black wheels, select exterior paint colors, Gloss Black painted split-crosshair grille with Gloss Black matching grille surround, darkened headlamp bezels, as well as some unique Blacktop interior touches.

“The Blacktops have become a signature of sorts for the Dodge Brand,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO – Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “With the addition of the Blacktop package for the Dodge Dart, we’re adding to our line-up of vehicles that offer the more aggressive look that has become so popular with our customers.”

The 2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop package will start arriving at dealers in the first quarter of 2014.

The 2014 Dodge Dart shows its sinister side with the Dart Blacktop package. The new package complements the freshened 2014 Dart lineup, which features the 2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark engine that produces 184 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque now standard in the 2014 Dart SXT and Limited models, and featuring a unique calibration on GT models.

The 2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop package is based on the 2014 Dart SXT model with the Rallye Appearance Group. On the exterior, the Blacktop package adds as standard equipment Gloss Black mirrors and unique 18-inch Gloss Black aluminum wheels, adding to the features already included on the SXT and Rallye Appearance Group, including Gloss Black mask and split crosshair grille, dark-tinted projector headlamps, projector fog lamps, integrated dual exhaust, LED racetrack tail lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth and much more.

The Dodge Dart Blacktop will be available in Redline Red, Header Orange, Blue Streak, Granite Crystal Metallic, Billet Silver, Pitch Black and Bright White.

The Dart Blacktop also features unique interior details, including Black/Ruby Red premium cloth interior with Ruby Red accent stitching on the instrument panel brow, center console and seat bolsters. dual Ruby Red accent stripes on the front seats. and Ruby Red accents in the door trim panels. A Black/Light Tungsten cloth interior is also available on Dart Blacktop models.

As with all Dodge Dart SXT models, the Blacktop can also be equipped with the Sun and Sound Group, which features a power express open/close sunroof, nine Alpine speakers with subwoofer, 506-watt amplifier, Uconnect 8.4 CD/MP3 radio with 8.4-inch touchscreen radio, iPod control, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 12-month subscription, ParkView rear backup camera, floating island bezel illuminated instrument panel surround and glove box lamp, Navigation and the Cold Weather Group, which includes heated exterior mirrors, heated front premium cloth seats, tire-pressure monitoring display and remote start (with automatic transmission).

The 2014 Dodge Dart SXT Blacktop package is available at a U.S. MSRP of just $295 on the Dart SXT with Rallye Appearance Group.


The Dodge brand has 100 years of History. 2014 Dodge is building on the technological advancements of the ‘30s and ‘40s, design evolution of the ‘50s, the racing heritage of the ‘60s, the horsepower of the ‘70s, the efficiency of the ‘80s and unbelievable styling of the ‘90s as it paves the road to its future. New for 2014, the Dodge Durango “is kind of a big deal,” with a new eight-speed transmission that delivers up to 25 miles per gallon on the highway, a new 8.4-inch Uconnect Touch infotainment center and best-in-class power, towing and fuel economy, in addition to its class-exclusive technology. The new Durango joins the new 2014 Dodge Dart with its new 2.4-liter Tigershark engine, as well as the 2014 Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Journey and a 30th Anniversary Grand Caravan. This 2014 Dodge vehicles received a real plus with the   Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety picks and Top Safety Pick +, five vehicles with best-in-class power, seven vehicles that deliver 25 miles per gallon (mpg) or higher, three vehicles that deliver 31 mpg or higher and three vehicles that offer seating for seven Dodge states.

Follow Dodge and Chrysler Group  news and video on:
Chrysler Connect blog: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chrysler
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo
Streetfire: http://www.streetfire.net/profile/chryslervideo.htm

BRUCE HUBBARD

JB HUBBARD

BRADLEY HUBBARD

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

 A SMALL PIECE OF THE HISTORY OF DODGE

John F. and Horace E. Dodge, sons of a Nlles Michigan machinlst, moved to Detroit at the turn of the century, briefly produced transmissions for Ransom E. Olds, and beginning in 1903, became the major suppliers of drive trains to the Ford Motor Company. They built the first Dodge in November 1914 and the new car was an instant success. When the Dodge brothers died in 1920, they employed 22,000 workers and produced 140,000 automobiles per year. Dodge Brothers Company remained an independent firm until 1928, when it became a major division of the fledging Chrysler Corporation.

The Dodge brothers outgrew their downtown plant, so in 1910 they began a new facility on a large tract in Hamtramck on the northern outskirts of Detroit. The plant initially produced machined products, forgings, and castings, all used in parts supplied to Ford. The Dodge brothers enlarged the plant significantly In 1914-1916 in order to produce their own automobile. They built the first Dodge in November 1914 and the new car was an instant success, the plant grew into an enormous complex of more than thirty buildings, where the Dodges manufactured most of the automobile except for bodies, tires and windows. When the Dodge brothers died in 1920, the plant had approximately 22,000 workers and produced 140,000 automobiles per year. Dodge Brothers Company remained an independent firm until 1928, when it became a major division of the fledging Chrysler Corporation.

In recent decades the Dodge complex has evolved into an assembly plant, as Chrysler moved the major manufacturing operations elsewhere. The 1930s was a difficult period, but the plant thrived during the Second World War, with peak employment of about 40,000. No major new construction has taken place since the early 1950s and the plant has become smaller with the demolition of peripheral buildings in the 1960s. Automation has also reduced the workforce substantially. By 1964, the plant employed only 8,000 and while some temporary increases occurred in the years following, only 5,000 worked at Dodge Main when it closed in 1980. In addition to serving as the chief plant of one of the major American automobile companies for over a half century, this manufacturing complex is historically significant in other ways. The Dodge complex represents the only major effort outside of Ford's Highland Park and River Rouge complexes to fully integrate automobile manufacturing and assembly operations on a large scale at a single site.

1920-1928

John Dodge died from pneumonia on January 14, 1920 In New York City, where he and his brother had attended an auto show. Horace Dodge died less than a year later in Palm Beach, Florida on December 10, 1920.

The Dodge children were neither able nor willing to manage the firm after their fathers' deaths, although the two widows made a weak effort to do so. The works manager, Frederick J. Haynes, became the chief executive officer from 1920 until 1925. The firm continued to grow during these years, with output reaching a plateau of about 200,000 cars in 1924-25. However, they were still well short of Ford's production of 1,675,000 cars and Chevrolet's 470,000 units for 1925. On May 1, 1925 the Dodge heirs announced the sale of the firm to the New York investment bankers Dillon, Read & Company for $146 million. Dillon held the property for three years before selling it to Walter P. Chrysler in May 1928 for $170 million.

Plant expansion continued during the 1920s, but at a much slower pace than before. Seven new buildings and one major extension added another 1.2 million square feet of space to the existing area of about 3.3 million square feet. A second Assembly Building, constructed in three segments in 1923-25, was easily the most impressive new structure. Located south of the original Assembly Building and running parallel to it, the new building was a six-story reinforced concrete design, 100 feet wide and 1,080 feet long, creating about 700,000 square feet of floorspace for the trim departments. The remaining new construction included a five-story concrete addition (1925) to the Warehouse Building; the narrow four-story reinforced concrete Main Building No, 4, built in 1926 and running parallel to the Forge Shop; three steel-framed buildings -- Heat Treat No. 2 (1925), Pressed Steel Stores (1926), and Maintenance No. 2 (1927) -- all on the northern fringe of the plant; and the Driveway Garage (1927) at the southwest comer of the complex. This was the last wave of construction.

By 1925, Dodge Main incorporated all the major production processes and departments needed to make it a fully integrated automobile manufacturing and assembly plant. Most of the castings and forgings needed to produce the Dodge car were made on the premises, along with all the required pressed (stamped) steel body parts. The machine shops housed 300 automatic screw machines, 60 cold heading machines, 325 gear cutting machines, and 215 grinders. The heat treatment department hardened about 100,000 parts per day. The fourth floors of the Assembly Building and the Pressed Steel Building, as well as the roofs of both, held 54 enameling ovens and an elaborate conveyor system to move parts and bodies through three separate painting operations. The entire complex was largely self-sufficient: the powerhouse supplied electricity, compressed air, and steam; the Construction Department handled most building and repair projects; testing of raw materials was done in physical and chemical laboratories on the premises; the complex had a staff of 475 tool makers who produced all the jigs and fixtures required; and the plant had its own narrow gauge industrial railroad with four miles of track. Dodge Main was large enough to have its own hospital, laundry, post office, fire department, print shop, photographic department, instrument repair shop, weather bureau (an aid to the enameling operations), restaurant, barber shop, and a police force of 125 men.

The Chrysler Era 1928-1980

When Walter P. Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, he rescued a failing business which was barely meeting its payrolls. Dillon, Read & Company were un- familiar with the automobile industry and as absentee owners were not able to keep the firm operating efficiently. In 1925, the banking firm also acquired Graham Brothers, a large truck maker, and the three Graham brothers became large Dodge stockholders. During the Dillon, Read era, Raymond Graham served as Dodge general manager, while Edward J. Wllmer, a Wisconsin utility executive, was president of Dodge. By the end of 1925, Dodge had truck and forge plants located between Huber Avenue and Lynch Road (northeast of the Hamtramck plant), a small plant on Harper Avenue, and the Service Parts plant on Conant Avenue. To avoid confusion, the Hamtramck plant became known as "Main Plant" or simply "Dodge Main" from 1925 on.

Walter Chrysler's purchase of Dodge, described by one observer as "the minnow swallowing the whale," was a key element in his plan to challenge General Motors and Ford. He introduced the low-priced Plymouth and the DeSoto in 1928, so with the addition of Dodge, Chrysler had four major car lines and instantly became the third largest automaker. He built a new plant for Plymouth on Lynch Road northeast of the Dodge plant, while the older Highland Park and Jefferson Avenue (Detroit) plants produced Chryslers. DeSoto used part of Dodge Main for a brief period before moving to the Jefferson Avenue complex, Chrysler later reflected on this decision: "Buying the Dodge (Brothers Company) was one of the soundest acts of my life. X say sincerely that nothing we have done for the organization compares with that transaction. We had, before the merger, an intensely sharp spearhead in the Chrysler Corporation, but when we put behind it all of Dodge our spearhead had a weighty shaft and had become a potent thing,"

Dillon, Read & Company sold the Dodge property to the Chrysler Cor- poration on May 29, 1928 and on the following day, the new management team headed by K.T. Keller moved into the Dodge offices. Keller, the Buick master mechanic under Chrysler, rejoined him in 1926 as vice president in charge of manufacturing. Keller became a Chrysler director in 1927, president of the Dodge Division in 1929, and succeeded Chrysler as corporation presi- dent in 1935, He was so effective in streamlining production at Dodge Main that he freed up enough floorspace in his first three months to house the DeSoto Division.

Dodge Main felt the full brunt of the Depression along with other auto plants. In 1928-29, about 30,000 workers produced a quarter-million cars per year at the complex. Total production in 1932 amounted to only 28,111 units. On May 8, 1937 about 10,000 Dodge Main workers began a two-week sitdown strike to win company recognition of the United Automobile Workers (U.A.W.). The strike, the largest sitdown in American history, ended on March 25 and on April 7, the Chrysler Corporation recognized the union. War contracts revived the plant, with peak employment reaching about 40,000. Even after Dodge Main returned to civilian production, high postwar demand for cars brought continued prosperity. With the Korean War further stimulating production, 33,000 worked at Dodge Main in 1951. Since the early 1950s, employment has steadily fallen as various operations were automated or moved to other plants. Dodge Main had become an assembly plant by the early 1960s, with a capacity of 2,000 cars per day or approximately 600,000 per year. The plant employed only 8,357 production workers by June 1963 and while employment temporarily increased by as many as 5,000 in the mid-1960s, the long-term trend was downward. When Dodge Main closed in January 1980, there were about 5,000 hourly workers still employed there.

In the future we will add more to the History of Dodge.

Will update the Dodge lineup of Blacktop vehicles after the NAIAS and a test drive of each.

2014 AUDI SPORT QUATTRO LASERLIGHT CONCEPT CAR AT CES

World premiere at 2014 CES in Las Vegas: The Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept car

-       Dynamic coupe has powerful plug-in hybrid drive
- Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of AUDI AG, Technical Development: “This show car embodies our engineering competence and shows cutting-edge electronic features such as high-performance laser-light headlights.”

Dynamic design, immense power and new electronic features: Audi is presenting a fascinating technology concept car at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) from January 6 to 10, 2014 in Las Vegas, USA. The Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept is reminiscent of the classic Sport quattro of 1983 while pointing towards the future – with the latest of the brand's technologies in plug-in hybrid drives, user control and display interfaces and lighting technology.

“The new show car demonstrates technical ‘Vorsprung’ on many levels,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg. “On-board this car we have e-tron technology with 515 kW of power and 2.5 l/100 km (94.09 US mpg) fuel economy; laser headlights that leave all previous systems in the dark with its higher performance as well as new display and operating systems with cutting-edge electronic performance. We are showing the future of Audi here.”

The coupe, a new evolutionary stage of the Sport quattro concept, painted in the color Plasma Red, combines the power of the historic Sport quattro with emotional elegance. Its body is tautly set over its large wheels. The overhangs are short, and the car's proportions show a sporty balance. With a wheelbase of 2,784 mm (109.61 in), it is 4,602 mm (181.18 in) long. At a width of 1,964 mm (77.32 in), the two-door model is very wide, and it is just 1,386 mm (54.57 in) tall, which is exceptionally low.

In the dual headlights, a typical quattro feature, Audi is demonstrating the future of lighting technology by combining matrix LED and laser light technologies. Two low-profile trapezoidal elements are visible within the headlights – the outer one generates the low beam light using matrix LEDs and an aperture mask, while the inner element produces laser light for high-beam functionality.

The powerful laser diodes are significantly smaller than LED diodes; they are only a few microns in diameter. Illuminating the road for a distance of nearly 500 meters (1,640 ft), the laser high-beam light has approximately twice the lighting range and three times the luminosity of LED high beam lights. In this future technology, Audi is once again demonstrating its leadership role in automotive lighting technology with a system that will also be used on the race track in the 2014 R18 e-tron quattro.

The angular, swept-back C pillars of the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept car and the blisters above the fenders are other design elements reminiscent of the classic Sport quattro. The broad shoulders of the body were reinterpreted and intensively sculpted to convey even greater dynamism. Throughout the car, sharp contours frame muscular surfaces – the interplay between convex and concave curvatures defines the athletic character of the coupe.

The hexagonal single-frame grille also offers an outlook on future design of the sporty production models. The lower section is nearly vertical, while the upper follows the contour of the hood; the screen insert is a typical solution from car racing. The low grille emphasizes the show car's width. Two large, vertical blades divide each of the large air inlets; their form is repeated in the creases of the hood. The splitter, which is made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), is shifted far to the front, as on a race car.

The combination of a swept-back glass cabin and broad shoulders defines the proportions at the rear. Another defining element at the rear of the show car is the CFRP diffuser, which extends upward significantly. Its upper section is honeycombed, while its lower section houses two large, oval tailpipes. The tail lights, which are backed by a black CFRP panel, are rectangular in form – another quattro reference. The luggage space, which is reinforced by a large cross bar stiffener, offers 300 liters (10.59 cu ft) of cargo capacity.

Precise design details round out the dynamic look of the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept. The sill extensions are made of CFRP, the door handles electrically extend from the door when they detect the approach of a hand. The center locking wheels have a five twin-spoke design.

In its generously cut interior, the elegant sporty styling of the show car is continued with dark gray colors and clean lines. The interior design and material selections demonstrate the Audi philosophy of lightweight design. The slender instrument panel is reminiscent of the wing of a sailplane. The supporting structure of the interior is a carbon shell that also serves as a storage compartment in the doors.

A line of trim beneath the windshield wraps around the driver and front passenger and integrates functions such as the inside door handles. The folding race car shell seats with their high lateral supports and integrated head restraints, together with the two rear seats, provide space for four persons. The climate controls are integrated in the air nozzles; a single element is used to control the intensity, temperature and volume of the air stream. In addition to showing climate control settings, the slim display at the centers of the air nozzles also shows media data.

The interior of the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept focuses very much on the driver. Even the multifunction sport steering wheel points the way towards future sporty production solutions. It has two buttons which the driver can use to control the hybrid drive, a red start-stop button, a button for the Audi drive select vehicle handling system and a "View" button to control the Audi virtual cockpit.

All key information is shown on the large Audi TFT display in high-resolution, three-dimensional graphics; a cutting-edge Tegra 30 processor from Audi partner Nvidia processes the graphics. The driver can switch between different modes. For example, in the MMI mode the dominant display elements include the navigation map and media lists, while in the Classic view the speedometer appears in the foreground.

Nearly all functions of the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept can be controlled from the further developed MMI terminal that is mounted on the center console over the tunnel. Its large rotary pushbutton, which also serves as a touchpad, can be pushed in four directions, and it is surrounded on three sides by four buttons – for the main menu, submenus, options and a back function.

The new user interface has a menu structure whose intuitive layout is similar to that of a smart phone. All frequently used functions can be accessed lightning fast. For most inputs, just a few steps are needed thanks to a new free text search feature; generally just four characters suffice for a navigation address. The driver can quickly scroll through lists or zoom the map image using multitouch gestures on the touchpad. Voice control functionality has also been intensively further developed.

The plug-in hybrid drive gives the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept fascinating dynamic performance. Its system output is 515 kW (700 hp), and its system torque is 800 Nm (590.05 lb-ft). Power flows via a modified eight-speed tiptronic to the quattro drivetrain, which features a sport differential at the rear axle. The show car's combined fuel consumption, based on the applicable fuel economy standard, is just 2.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (94.09 US mpg) – which equates to CO2 emissions of 59 g/km (94.95 g/mile).

The combustion engine is a four-liter V8 with biturbo charging; it produces 412 kW (560 hp) of power and 700 Nm (516.29 lb-ft) of torque. The cylinder on demand (COD) system, which deactivates four cylinders under part load and a start-stop system make the sonorous eight-cylinder engine very efficient. Located between the 4.0 TFSI and the transmission is a disc-shaped electric motor that produces 110 kW and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft). It draws its drive energy from a lithium-ion battery at the rear, which stores 14.1 kWh of energy – enough for up to 50 km (31.07 miles) of all-electric driving. An Audi wallbox that is used for charging provides for optimal energy transfer.

An intelligent management system controls the interplay of engine and motor on demand. The driver can switch between three different modes. In EV mode, just the electric motor operates; its high torque propels the show car with plenty of power – even outside of the city. The active accelerator pedal indicates the transition to Hybrid mode to the driver – by a change in pedal resistance; this is done so that the driver can intentionally influence the mode selection.

The Hybrid mode aims at optimal fuel-savings in the interplay between the TFSI and the electric motor, and environmental and route data are utilized here. The driver can choose the Hold and Charge modes in the MMI to influence the operating strategy, e.g. if the driver wants to ensure that sufficient electrical energy is available for the final kilometers to the destination. The Audi drive select dynamic vehicle handling system offers even more control options – individual driving profiles are set up for different levels of regenerative braking.

In Sport mode, the operating strategy configures the drive system for maximum power. When the V8 and electric motor are boosting, the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 305 km/h (189.52 mph).

A lightweight design strategy also plays a major role in the car's dynamic performance. A combination of ultra high-strength steel sheet and structural elements of cast aluminum is used in the occupant cell. The doors and fenders are made of aluminum, and the roof, engine hood and rear hatch are made of CFRP. This results in an unladen weight of just 1,850 kilograms (4,078.55 lb), including the large battery pack.

The front suspension is comprised of five links per wheel, while the rear suspension is based on the self-tracking trapezoidal link principle of Audi, which guarantees dynamic performance and stability. Stiff tuning of the springs and shock absorbers make the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept hold tightly to the road, while Audi drive select makes the driving experience even more multifaceted. The dynamic steering system varies the steering ratio as a function of driving speed. The brake calipers grip large, carbon fiber-ceramic brake discs, and the tire size is 285/30 R 21.

Audi has some great ideas but just like Mercedes to get some of the best system allowed in North America will take some time to get approved. 

Some History of the Audi Brand

The Audi history begins with a man called August Horch, who founded the Company HORCH & CO in 1899.He invented his first car 1901 with the help of 15 fellow workers. The car had a max. speed of 32 km/h. In 1909 Mr. Horch had to leave his company due to major problems with the commercial management and founded another company called Audi. " Audi" is the Latin translation for "Horch" and he took that name because he wanted to build cars under his own name. So the brand "AUDI Automobilwerke GmbH" was registraded in 1910. Until the First World War some of the cars built under the Audi name won several rallies, which helped to establish the name worldwide. During the first war Audi was forced to produce vehicles for the war effort, and then after the war the recession was also a tremendous problem for the company. Therefore the founder August Horch left the management in 1920. The company managed to get through the hard times from 1927 to 1930, but in 1931 the management recognized that only a union with other vehicle manufacturer could keep Audi alive. At that time the AUTO UNION was founded, the members were DKW, HORCH, WANDERER and AUDI. The new companies insignia to show the union of the four companies was the now familiar 4 rings , which are still used by Audi today.

The new union had great success in motor sport in the ensuing  years. The most powerful car that was build before the 2nd world war was a 6 liter V 16 engine with 382 KW( 582PS) in 1936. In the years during the 2nd world war the AUTO UNION once again were forced to build vehicles for German military. Many motorcycles, engines, different war vehicles and even parts for submarines were build until 1945. At that time all factories in Germany were completely destroyed by American bombers.

After the war had ended there were about 60 000 DKW military vehicles worldwide that needed spare parts and maintenance. This was the reason a new start in Ingolstadt, southern Germany was made. Soon after the war there were again many cars produced, the most important for me was the DKW Munga, a four-wheel jeep with 3-cylinder 2-stroke engine. Invented in 1956 for the German military, there were only 250 cars produced for testing purposes. On of these cars made a trip around the world and  drove over 240 000 km without major problems. This was the beginning of the later concept called Quattro. Nearly 57 000 Mungaswere built until 1968.

In the following years many different engine- and car types were invented and produced in large amounts. The 2-stroke system was replaced by the 4 stroke one in 1965, a milestone in the engine development. For the power or the engines has been risen continually, the company thought about a new drive train concept. An performance of over 100 KW with front wheel drive shows heavy abrasion on the front tires and dangerous Ferrari a effects. The Iltis jeep what had replaced the Munga hadn’t that problems and the reason for that was not the minor performance of 75hp, it was the 4 wheel concept. Mr.Bensinger, the father of the Quattro, made many tests and tried to convince the management to give him green light for building a four wheel drive concept in an street car. The board of directors were not very pleased with that idea because the thought that nobody will buy such an car and especially if it was a high technology one not build by Porsche or Mercedes. These two firms were the only ones that had the name to do such huge inventions. One has to notify that the Auto Union at that time had no reputation in build high tech cars. Fortunately Mr.Bensinger did a good job, the project QUATTRO was born and the management decided to make this drive train concept famous all over the world with high activities in motor sport. The name AUDI should become as worthfull as Porsche and Mercedes.
To get the car ready in an short time many parts of available other types were used. The engine came out of the 200, the body was from the Audi 80 at first and the drive train came out of the Iltis, the successor of the  Munga. Certainly many parts were braced, changed in size and improved for the high performance the car should have. After two years of improving, testing and rallying the first real ur-quattro with the new coupe body was build in 1980. The power has been raised to 200hp in the testing time, not a bad number if you think that most of the other car producer did with a 2.2l engine.

A lot of ups and downs over the years for AUDI. Today and the future look even better than I predicted when in 1980’s I had the AUDI QUATTRO.

Bruce Hubbard

Auto Advisor Group

DESIGN VISION VW GTI CONCEPT

“DESIGN VISION GTI” MAKES ITS NORTH AMERICAN AUTO SHOW DEBUT AT LOS ANGELES

This wild concept features a 503-horsepower engine and gives a spectacular glance into the future of the GTI.

Volkswagen of America, Inc.  showed the “Design Vision GTI” at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. First debuted at Germany’s Wörthersee festival, the brand’s premier enthusiast gathering, the stunning 503 horsepower, 186 mph concept shows the bandwidth of the new Mark 7 GTI.

The design team, led by Klaus Bischoff (Head of Design of Volkswagen Brand), drew the C-pillars and sills outward as autonomous body elements, thus creating space for substantially wider front and rear tracks, as well as specially developed 20-inch wheels (with 235 tires in the front and 275s at the rear). The “Design Vision GTI” can reach 62 mph from a standing start in just 3.9 seconds and looks like it could start tearing up racetracks tomorrow.

The new GTI has plenty of power in standard form, with up to 230 hp available on the European Performance model, the “Design Vision GTI” ups the ante with 503 hp, developed at 6500 rpm. Just like the engine in the regular GTI, the concept car has a turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine—except that this is a 3.0-liter V6 using twin turbochargers instead of a 2.0-liter four cylinder with a single turbo. Two three-way catalytic converters are arranged close to the engine to optimize emissions behavior. The V6 TSI engine develops 369 pound-feet of torque from as low as 2000 rpm, with a maximum figure of 413 lb-ft at 4000 rpm.

All this power and torque is distributed to the wheels via a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. With this powertrain and a specially tuned chassis, the “Design Vision GTI” eats any type of racetrack. On a dragstrip, it will sprint from zero to 62 mph in an impressive 3.9 seconds

In order to slow this super-powerful GTI, Volkswagen fitted it with large carbon-ceramic brake discs, sized 15.0 inches up front and 14.0 inches at the back. The ceramic brake discs and red-painted brake calipers peek through the spokes of custom 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, which are 8.5J wide at the front and 9.5J at the back.

The “Design Vision GTI” wheels, derived from the “Austin” GTI design, feature integrated blades that are designed to vent brake heat through the wheel openings. The wheel bolts are covered to give the appearance of a center-lock design.

The “Design Vision GTI”  is part of Volkswagen’s success, according to Klaus Bischoff. “Our claim to be a global player is enhanced with our universal design language. A design that immediately communicates the brand's identity is central for all models that carry the VW logo, with elements that allow each model to be recognized as a true Volkswagen by its distinctive design.”

The production GTI has extremely crisp proportions, making it a good starting point for an even more extreme version. The ”Design Vision GTI” looks radical because it’s shorter, wider, and lower than a regular GTI. It’s 0.6 inches shorter at 167.4 inches, thanks mainly to a more compact rear bumper. The GTI concept is no less than 2.2 inches lower, at 54.5 inches, and it’s 2.8 inches wider (73.6 inches). The track has also increased, of course: at the rear it is now 62.2 inches wide (59.7 for the production GTI) and 62.8 inches at the front (versus 60.6).

Developing a show car is always a great opportunity to package extreme ideas and a lot of emotion. Klaus Bischoff says: “The design team’s brief was to give a spectacular glance into the future of the GTI.” Marc Lichte, Andreas Mindt, and Philipp Römers, the same team who developed the latest Golf and the new GTI, also collaborated in the development of the “Design Vision GTI”, breathing the charisma of a race car into the concept.

The color scheme for the “Design Vision GTI” is classic. It follows the traditional GTI triad of “black–white–red.” The bodyshell is painted white (“White Club”) and contrasts with black (“piano paint black”) pieces such as the side skirts and the front spoiler. The GTI insignia as well as the strip integrated in the front are red.

The C-pillar, which has always been a distinctive Golf and GTI feature, is drawn outward as an autonomous design element, while the main part of the body narrows strongly towards the rear. This process starts right behind the front wheel with a vertical air outlet that emphasizes the waisted doors. In parallel to that, the sill grows continually outward until its upper edge merges with the C-pillar—a styling device that gives this GTI a very dramatic look.

The GTI concept’s front end is similarly sculptural. The radiator grille, the bottom air intake, and the brake cooling vents are combined with the headlights and framed by the front fenders and the hood. The precision and straightforwardness of the lines follow the Volkswagen design DNA. The grille and air inlets—although re-interpreted—consciously underscore their relation to the production GTI’s. The so-called “blades” are an especially prominent detail.

The GTI’s typical red line divides the headlights of the “Design Vision GTI” horizontally. The actual lighting elements are set back, giving the “eyes” depth—an innovative variation of the “evil eye” treatment that’s popular with GTI tuners.

Like the front end, an all-round sharp edge is a consistent feature at the rear. The taillights straddle the space between the C-pillars and the rear deck, while the integrated rear spoiler has the same position as the production GTI’s. At the bottom of the car, the dominant elements are the aerodynamically designed rear diffuser ribs and the exhaust tips that frame the assembly.


Volkswagen stated that Tomasz Bachorski, Head of Volkswagen Interior Design, asked his team to follow these guidelines: “Pure GTI. Concentrate on the truly essential. But with style.” Boris Grell, Jan Haacke, and Guillermo Mignot, the designers of the GTI concept’s interior, are totally in tune with Volkswagen interior design and know how to match the interior to the character of each vehicle they work on, from the up! to the Phaeton.

The “Design Vision GTI” applies a radical version of “reduced design”. This means as few switches as necessary, so that they can be operated intuitively even while driving hard. The steering wheel is equipped with ergonomically optimized DSG paddle shifters, drive mode selector, and a start/stop switch, for example.

The designers have integrated a number of controls into the upper section of the center stack: the rugged turn knobs for the climate control and the switches for the hazard lights and activation for the on-board camera all reside in this space. An electrical kill switch, a push-button for the fire suppression system, and the ESP deactivation are housed underneath. The car has three drive modes: “Street,” “Sport”, and “Track”.

The shapes of the dashboard and the center console correspond to the GTI’s, but are even more driver oriented, with tauter surfaces and harder edges. The race-car impression is reinforced by the partial use of carbon fiber, which is combined with “Anthracite” and “Titan Black” Alcantara as well as “Black” and “Flash Red” Nappa leather. One pleasing detail on the doors is a handle formed by a loop of red cloth, just like a Porsche Cup car’s. The rear seats have gone, their space taken by an X-shaped crossmember that further strengthens body stiffness.

The designers also wanted to show how they imagine the “Design Vision GTI” could be used to network with the social community: A large display to the right of the main instrument binnacle not only shows power, torque, and turbo boost, but can be switched to a track map of the circuit you are running, along with lap times. This can also communicate with other vehicles on track and calculates what’s going on in a race in real time. Anybody wanting to share the on-track action can direct the cameras integrated into the A-pillar either to the track or the interior. 

I believe the future of a production model would be significant alone in North America.

BRUCE HUBBARD