SPAIN - Audi launches the new A4 Avant with an alternative Bi-Fuel Engine system, making this car more efficient.

• Alternative propulsion system for the new Audi A4 Avant
• Bi-fuel engine 2.0 TFSI equipped with an innovative combustion process
• The Audi e-gas provides free mobility of CO2 emissions

Sporty, versatile and with low emissions of CO ₂ . With marketing scheduled for late 2016, the Audi A4 Avant g-tron Audi is another proposal for the sustainable mobility of the future.Following the trail initiated by the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron, it is the second model of the brand that can use natural gas and Audi e-gas production sustainable.

The A4 Avant g-tron is simultaneously sporty, efficient and extremely economical. The engine is based on the new 2.0 TFSI developed by Audi, which offers an advanced and highly efficient combustion process.Turbocharged power unit produces 170 hp (125 kW). 

Its maximum torque of 270 Nm is available at around 1650 rpm. The pistons and valves have been specially modified to run on gas and allow optimum compression ratio. An electronic controller reduces the high pressure of 200 bar gas from the reservoir until a pressure of 5 to 10 bars in the motor. 

This control system pressure is done dynamically and precisely in response to the requirements that the driver requires the engine. The correct pressure is thus always present in the gas pipes and valves injection: low pressure for efficient driving at low speed ranges, and higher for more power and torque pressures.

According to the NEDC measurements, the Audi A4 Avant g-tron consumes less than four kilograms of CNG (compressed natural gas) per 100 kilometers, which results in fuel costs for the client less than four euros (prices in October 2015 ). Emissions of CO ₂  are less than 100 grams per kilometer. 

The fuel tank capacity is 19 kilograms of gas, enough to have a range greater than 500 kilometers. When the content of gas in the reservoir falls below 0.6 kilos -number analogous to a residual pressure of 10 bar-control unit switches to gasoline mode operation. 

The A4 Avant g-tron can then cover an additional distance of 450 kilometers in this mode. The total potential range is comparable to that of a car equipped with an engine TDI.

Mouths filling gas tanks and gas are located next to each other in the same location under the same cover.

After refueling and whenever the temperature is not too cold, the engine begins its start in petrol mode, then changing as fast as possible, to run on natural gas. Two indicators in the scorecard keep the driver abreast of fill levels of both deposits. The driver information system shows fuel consumption in active mode.

Audi four cylindrical tanks installed CNG as a single compact module in the rear of the A4. Each has been specifically sized and adapted to the available space. 

They are protected by a coating of steel sheet and a tensioning straps hold the cylinders and protect them against damage. The full CNG tank module, which includes the fuel tank 25 liters, the body is set during production of A4. 

The usual spare wheel has been removed, the battery and its location varies from the luggage compartment to the engine compartment. The trunk floor even has its edge in the cargo area, which can offer a fully functional space for luggage.

CNG tanks, with an operating pressure of 200 bar at 15 ° C, follow the principle of lightweight construction of Audi. 

Thanks to its innovative design, its weight is 56 percent lower than comparable steel deposits. Its inner layer is a polyamide matrix gastight. The second layer, a compound consisting of polymers reinforced with carbon fiber (CFRP) and polymers reinforced with fiberglass (GFPR), provides maximum strength. 

The third layer is made of GFPR and serves mainly aid for initial visual inspection if necessary, to turn a milky white in case of damage. Before being installed in the car, every tank is tested at 300 bar during the production phase, so that the maximum pressure that support is even higher and far exceeds legal requirements.

Audi e-gas produced in Germany, the A4 Avant g-tron is a vehicle that runs free of CO ₂ . 

The e-synthetic methane gas is obtained from water and CO ₂  with the help of sustainable electricity in plants "power-to-gas". Audi launched the world's first plant of this type for the production of Audi e-gas on an industrial scale in Werlte, but now e-gas produced at other facilities. 

With the "power-to-gas" technology, the brand with the four rings makes it possible to store excess renewable energy, a valuable contribution to the energy transition.

The company and its partners are strongly promoting the development of various known synthetic fuels such as Audi e-fuels, including through new biological production processes.

In Germany, the driver can refueling card using the Audi e-gas refueling as in the case of the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron, which serves as a means of payment and at the same time as a tool to balance emissions.

From the information transferred during payment, Audi supplies the German natural gas network with the amount equivalent to the gas load refueled by the customer. Thus, Audi achieved a completely neutral emission mobility CO ₂

Translated by Google - Apologies for any errors that may have been caused.

First production Audi A3 models capable of running on compressed natural gas are now ready, but only for German highways.

• Audi A3 Sportback g-tron now available to order in Germany, priced from €25,900
• CO2-neutral mobility with the Audi e-gas fuel card
• Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg: “Audi e-gas is an important pillar of our sustainability strategy”

An Audi A3 equipped to provide the most environmentally friendly form of long-distance mobility will soon be taking to the roads. The A3 Sportback g-tron can be powered by ultra-clean Audi e-gas produced using green electricity, or by compressed natural gas, both of which are available to drivers in Germany, where advance sales of the car have just begun.

The Audi A3 g-tron forms part of a new, integrated and sustainable mobility concept from the Vorsprung durch Technik brand. Its 1.4-litre TFSI engine develops 110 PS and can be operated using either natural gas, e-gas generated by Audi or petrol. In pure e-gas mode the g-tron is entirely CO2-neutral, meaning that customers who use the Audi e-gas fuel card can opt to power their A3 g-tron without impacting on the environment if they wish.

The A3 Sportback g-tron will be priced from 25,900 euros in Germany. Due to the lack of infrastructure required to fully implement natural gas filling stations, there are no plans for Audi to introduce this model in the UK.

Audi e-gas is a synthetic methane that is produced at the Audi e-gas facility located in Werlte in Lower Saxony, Germany – the world’s first industrial power-to-gas plant. Green electricity is used in the production of Audi e-gas, and the process of generating it actually binds as much CO2 as is released when the Audi A3 g-tron is driven in gas mode, giving it exceptional ecological credentials. On average the Audi A3 g-tron consumes between 3.2 and 3.3 kilograms of gas per 100 kilometers. Fuel costs at present start at around 3.50 euros per 100 kilometres.

The buying principle for Audi e-gas is straightforward and corresponds to how green electricity is distributed: Audi records the quantities of gas that the customer pays for using their Audi e-gas fuel card and ensures that exactly this amount of Audi e-gas is fed into the German natural gas network.

Customers who choose this option can obtain an Audi e-gas fuel card for a flat price of 14.95 euros per month. In addition, the costs for the quantities of gas refueled by each customer are deducted via the Audi e-gas fuel card. The card can be used to purchase Audi e-gas at over 650 fuel stations in Germany.

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG, emphasises: “In addition to our e-mobility developments, the Audi e-gas project is an important pillar of our sustainability strategy – as is the development of other synthetic fuels.” Audi is already operating a research facility for the production of Audi e-ethanol and e-diesel with its partner Joule in Hobbs, New Mexico. Moreover, the company is conducting research into the synthetic manufacture of Audi e-gas in cooperation with Global Bioenergies.

AUDI continues to develop the e-tron range with the new A3

• - Audi A3 Sportback e-tron: sporty plug-in hybrid
• - Audi A3 Sportback g-tron: optimum carbon footprint
• - Audi tron models combine driving pleasure with sustainability

One of the strategic corporate objectives of Audi is to develop technologies that combine driving fun with sustainability. It seeks solutions that strike a balance between individual mobility on the one hand and economy, ecology and the requirements of Audi customers on the other. The models of the Audi tron family demonstrate especially well how these seemingly opposing pulls can be reconciled. g-tron stands for drive concepts that run on synthetic Audi e-gas and natural gas and achieve an excellent COâ‚‚ footprint. The first production model to pave the way for COâ‚‚-neutral long-distance mobility is the A3 Sportback g-tron. The term e-tron, on the other hand, stands for the systematic electrification of the driveline. As one outcome of its research and development projects in this area, Audi is now going into volume production with the A3 Sportback e-tron, the first premium compact car with plug-in hybrid drive.

With its plug-in hybrid concept, the A3 Sportback e-tron combines the advantages of the combustion engine with those of electric drive. The entire expertise that Audi has built up in the sphere of hybrid technology has been channeled into its concept. The parallel driveline features a 1.4 TFSI working in tandem with a powerful electric motor. The power is transmitted to the front wheels via a newly developed e-S tronic. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is located ahead of the front axle; it stores 8.8 kWh of energy, enough to drive 50 kilometers (31.07 miles) purely electrically and therefore with zero local emissions.

With 150 kW (204 hp) of system power and 350 Nm of system torque (258.15 lb-ft), the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is a sporty premium compact vehicle. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 222 km/h (137.94 mph). The overall range is 940 kilometers (584.09 miles) and the electric range 50 kilometers (31.07 miles). Consumption measured in accordance with the ECE standard averages just 1.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (156.81 US mpg), equivalent to CO2 emissions of 35 grams per kilometer (56.33 g/mile). The A3 Sportback e-tron will go on sale from the end of 2013.

The A3 Sportback g-tron interprets the principle of sustainable mobility in a new, pioneering way. Its 1.4-liter TFSI engine runs on Audi e-gas, a synthetic fuel that in chemical terms is almost identical to natural gas and can therefore be distributed as mains natural gas. This fuel, which the brand with the four rings produces at its newly completed facility in Werlte, in the Emsland district, is CO2-neutral. Its starting components are water and carbon dioxide, and it is produced using exclusively renewable power. The A3 Sportback g-tron will be arriving at dealers before the end of this year.

Motor sport is the ideal development lab for new technologies, and the toughest test environment is the 24 Hours of Le Mans. At last year’s competition on the Sarthe circuit, the R18 e-tron quattro brought Audi a historic double victory with a hybrid racecar that highlights just how much power an electrified driveline can put on the road.

In terms of its concept, the LMP-1 prototype is an uncompromising racing car, but in numerous individual areas it harbors potential that could ultimately find its way into production models The V6 TDI in the 2012 Le Mans winner supplies over 375 kW (510 hp) and 850 Nm (626.93 lb-ft) to the rear wheels. The motor-alternator unit (MAU) on the front axle is always good for 150 kW of extra thrust when accelerating out of a bend. Here it uses energy that it has captured during braking operations and stored temporarily in a flywheel energy storage system. When both electric motors on the front axle are active, the LMP-1 prototype becomes a quattro.

As well as the R18 e-tron quattro, last year Audi brought out a second high-tech car – the all-electric-drive R8 e-tron high-performance sports car. It sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.2 seconds and is governed at 200 km/h (124.27 mph). Its two electric motors supply the rear wheels with a combined 280 kW of power and 820 Nm of torque (604.80 lb-ft).

With its body made from aluminum and carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic polymer (CFRP), the multimaterial space frame of the Audi R8 e-tron is the latest manifestation of the ultra lightweight construction technology of Audi. Every facet of this high-performance sports cars demonstrates the sheer breadth of what is technically feasible. All components are systematically configured for maximum performance and range. All Audi production developments will now benefit from the expertise acquired throughout this project. There is for instance the large T‑shaped battery that doubles up as a supporting element and stores almost 49 kWh of energy, enough to drive 215 km (133.59 miles). The heat pump controls the temperature of the interior and assemblies energy-efficiently. The aerodynamics have also been optimized for maximum efficiency. The engineers of Audi have covered all key aspects of electric mobility with the R8 e-tron.

The Audi A1 e-tron is a technology demonstrator of entirely different stature. It is conceived as a specialist for urban driving. Its electric motor achieves peak output of 85 kW. The battery stores 13.3 kWh, making a operating range of 50 km (31.07 miles) possible. For longer journeys a rear-mounted combustion engine, which in its second development stage develops 25 kW (34 hp), charges up the electric motor via an alternator. Audi is participating in the German government’s “Electric Mobility Showcase” pilot project by running the A1 e-tron in six regions throughout the country in order to obtain more practical findings.

The A3 Sportback g-tron and A3 Sportback e-tron already show how diverse the Audi range of technologies for sustainable mobility is. Audi will be bringing further pioneering cars onto the market in rapid succession.

GENEVA - Audi at Geneva

The focus for Audi at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show will be on six star cars employing a variety of state-of-the-art propulsion technologies to achieve exceptional results. The summary below is a snapshot of these highlight models – for more information please visit www.audi-press.co.uk or contact the Audi press team using the details which follow. 

• A3 Sportback e-tron, A3 Sportback g-tron, S3 Sportback, RS Q3, RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback will take pride of place on Audi stand
• 1.4 TFSI petrol-electric hybrid A3 Sportback e-tron makes 188mpg and CO₂ emissions of 35g/km possible – 204PS, 350Nm of system torque, 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds, 138mph top speed, 31-mile maximum range in electric mode
• A3 Sportback g-tron is powered by a combination of a 1.4 TFSI petrol engine  and CO₂-neutral Audi e-gas (compressed natural gas)
• 110PS, 200Nm, 0-62mph in 11 seconds, 118mph top speed, CO₂ less than 95 grams per kilometre (well-to-wheel 30g/km) , 80.7mpg equivalent, total range of 807 miles
• The S3 Sportback will be powered by a totally new 2.0 TFSI engine with turbocharging and direct injection - 300PS, 380 Nm, 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds, governed 155mph top speed, combined MPG 40.9
• Optional all-LED headlights and Audi magnetic ride
• Available to order in the UK from April, first deliveries in September
• UK pricing will be no higher than outgoing model despite performance and equipment gains
• The RS Q3 – the first ever RS Q model – will be available to order in the summer ahead of first deliveries in late 2013 - 310PS, 420Nm – 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds, governed 155mph top speed, combined MPG 32.1, CO₂ 206g/km
• The third generation RS 6 Avant will be available to order in spring priced at approximately £77,000 OTR – first deliveries from the summer
• Powered by V8 biturbo petrol engine with cylinder-on-demand technology –  560PS, 700Nm, 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, top speed governed at 155mph but can be increased on demand to 174mph or 189mph, up to 28.8mpg possible (combined)
• Eight-speed tiptronic transmission, quattro all-wheel-drive with sport differential, standard RS-specific adaptive air suspension with option of steel-sprung suspension incorporating Dynamic Ride Control (DRC)
• The RS 7 Sportback will be available to order in the UK in the summer priced at approximately £84,000 OTR –  first UK deliveries will take place in the latter part of 2013
• Powered by V8 biturbo petrol engine with cylinder-on-demand technology – 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, top speed governed at 155mph but can be increased on demand to 174mph or 189mph, up to 28.8mpg possible (combined)
• Eight-speed tiptronic transmission, quattro all-wheel-drive with sport differential, standard RS-specific adaptive air suspension with option of steel-sprung suspension incorporating Dynamic Ride Control (DRC)