Audi Roadjet Concept at the NAIAS Detroit |
| 09 Jan 2006 |
Star of the Audi stand at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (Jan 8-10) is the Roadjet Concept, a distinctive 'fastback saloon' design study which may possibly signal the shape of things to come from Audi in the compact executive class. Blending familiar Audi styling hallmarks with striking architecture that maximises passenger space and practicality, the Roadjet Concept is not only a variation on the compact executive theme that could see the production green light, but also bristles with new technology, much of which is likely to begin filtering down across the Audi range in the near future.
Highlights include a new 300PS, 3.2-litre V6 FSI petrol engine, a new seven-speed evolution of the widely acclaimed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and Audi drive select - a system enabling engine, transmission, suspension damping and steering settings to be tailored at the touch of a button to suit the driver's preference or the prevailing conditions. New car-to-car communication technology also enables the Roadjet Concept to exchange data directly with other vehicles while on the move, potentially improving numerous aspects of driving, most notably the reduction of congestion, accidents and parking problems.
The interior of the Roadjet Concept also features innovations such as an enhanced version of the Multi Media Interface (MMI) with individual monitors for front and rear passengers, a Digital Voice Support (DVS) in-car communication system and even luxuries such as a built-in espresso machine.
At 4.70 m long and 1.85 m wide, the Audi Roadjet Concept respects the standard dimensions of a B-segment vehicle, yet its height of 1.55 m and wheelbase of 2.85 m result in substantially more effective space for occupants. A higher seat position and ample legroom, shoulder room and head room in all four individual seats represent a new class best.
The new 300PS 3.2-litre V6 FSI
The latest development of the familiar 3.2-litre V6 FSI engine develops 300PS at 7,000 rpm and 330Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm in the Audi Roadjet Concept, thanks largely to the addition of a fixed intake manifold and the innovative Audi valvelift system for valve control. This unit is impressive not merely in terms of absolute performance, but also thanks to its pulling power and response, coupled with a linear increase in power all the way through the range.
The Roadjet Concept 3.2 FSI accelerates to 62mph in 6.4 seconds, reaches an electronically governed top speed of 155mph and records an impressive 27.1mpg combined consumption figure - an improvement over its production counterpart in the A4 3.2 quattro, which develops 45PS less!.
The underlying technology behind the combination of FSI injection and the Audi valvelift system is already so far advanced in development that it could start finding its way into production in a few months' time.
The sporty 7-gear Direct Shift Gearbox
The Audi Roadjet Concept is the first Audi model to combine the acclaimed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) with twin clutch in conjunction with a longitudinally installed engine. DSG combines the advantages of a manual gearbox - with 7-speeds in this latest version - with the qualities of a modern automatic transmission. The driver benefits from strong and smooth acceleration without interruptions to the flow of power from the engine, coupled with impressive fuel economy.
The basis for this new development is a three-shaft 7-speed manual gearbox which offers considerable variability in the selection of the transmission ratio. Thanks to the use of a twin multi-plate clutch with electro-hydraulic control, two gears can be engaged at the same time.
During dynamic operation of the car, one gear is engaged. When the next gearshift point is approached, the appropriate gear is pre-selected but its clutch kept disengaged. The gearshift process opens the clutch of the activated gear and closes the other clutch at the same time with a certain overlap. The gear change consequently takes place under load, with the result that a permanent flow of power is maintained.
Incorporating optimum gearshift strategies, the control logic integrated in the transmission provides exceptionally rapid gearshifts that are virtually free of any jolts or judder. And by moving the gearshift lever in the manual gate or operating the standard-fit paddles behind the steering wheel, the driver can actively influence the choice of gears and the gearshift point at any time.
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| This news is supplied by Car News (http://www.car-news.co.uk/) |
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