L.A. SHOW - BMW showcases a large number of All-New models and variants at this years show.

• Making its North American Premier, BMW will showcase the all-new BMW 7 Series, all-new BMW 3 Series eDrive, all-new BMW X1 and the exclusive motorsport inspired BMW M4 GTS.

• BMW i will premiere BMW Laser Light, available for the first time in the US, as well as the limited edition BMW i3 Shadow Sport, featuring exclusive exterior paint color and interior design, moonroof and sport tuned suspension.

The all-new BMW 3 Series eDrive, BMW M4 GTS, BMW X1 and the BMW 7 Series will make their North American debuts at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. In addition, BMW will feature the eDrive BMW X5 xDrive40e as well as the high-performance BMW i8, the all-electric BMW i3 and other BMW models at the BMW display.

Making its North American debut, the all-new BMW 3 Series eDrive features a plug-in hybrid drive system offering typical BMW driving dynamics and outstanding efficiency. The innovative use of an electric motor and the BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine results in a total system output of 248 bHP and 310 lb-ft torque. 

The BMW 330e accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. In everyday driving conditions, a total range of approximately 370 miles is attainable. The eDrive technology allows for approximately 22 miles in all-electric mode and therefore with zero local emissions. 

The 2016 BMW 330e will arrive in US showrooms in spring 2016 for $44,695 including $995 Destination & Handling. BMW 330e Press Kit (Global).

The all-new 2016 BMW M4 GTS is an exclusive technological masterpiece, which elevates the performance of the BMW M4 Coupe to an impressive new level, making its North American Debut in Los Angeles. With its powerful, motorsport-inspired looks and high-performance technology, the BMW M4 GTS has its sights set on the racetrack. 

The BMW M4 GTS makes use of the multi-award-winning M TwinPower Turbo engine utilizing an innovative water injection system that boosts power to 493 bHP and 442 lb-ft allowing for a 0-60 mph sprint in 3.7 second. 

The track ready chassis and unbeatable engine performance ensured a lap time of 7 minutes 28 seconds around the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife. 

This special edition is limited to around 700 units worldwide, with around 300 units of the exclusive high-performance Special Edition M4 available for the first time 

in the US market. The 2016 BMW M4 GTS will arrive in US showrooms in spring 2016 for $134,200 including $995 Destination & Handling.

BMW M4 GTS Press Kit.

The all-new BMW X1, making its North American debut, is the second generation of its successful predecessor model and features more robust overall proportions, more interior space for passengers and luggage alike, and additional innovative connectivity and groundbreaking BMW EfficientDynamics technology that is unparalleled in the segment. 

The BMW X1 xDrive28i will feature a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine producing 228 bHP and 258 lb-ft of torque mated to an 8 speed Steptronic automatic transmission, enabling the newest X family member to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds. 

The engine is coupled with the new BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and newly developed chassis technology, which enhances sporting ability and ride. Currently in showrooms, the MSRP for the BMWX1 xDrive28 is $35,795 including $995 Destination & Handling.

BMW X1 Press Kit.

The all-new BMW 7 Series is the brand’s flagship in its sixth generation and once again sets the standard for modern luxury and performance, delivering the highest level of driving refinement in the premium segment. 

The 2016 BMW 7 Series makes its North American debut in Los Angeles, setting a new benchmark in lightweight design, driving dynamics, comfort, intelligent connectivity and intuitive operation. 

The BMW EfficientLightweight concept allows the new BMW 7 Series line-up a 190 pounds weight reduction in comparison to its predecessor. 

Groundbreaking Carbon Core passenger cell technology is the key element on the body structure by the extensive use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and the strategic application of lightweight design to reduce weight and increase both the overall torsion strength and bending stiffness. 

Featuring BMWs newest and pioneering technologies such as Gesture Control, Wireless Charging and Display Key. 

An Active Kidney Grille will also be available for the first time in the US. The MSRP for the BMW 740i is $82,295, the $95,395 for the 750i Sedan and $98,395 for the BMW 750i xDrive all including $995 Destination & Handling.

BMW 7 Series Press Kit.

In addition to these debut vehicles, BMW will showcase a number of other models at the Los Angeles Auto Show including the BMW X5 xDrive40e, BMW i8, and BMW i3.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e is the company’s first eDrive Sports Activity Vehicle, charts the next chapter of BMW’s ongoing EfficientDynamics initiative. 

Benefitting from the groundbreaking work with BMW i on electromobility, the X5 xDrive40e combines the company’s award-winning 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine with an electric motor integrated into its 8-speed automatic transmission. 

The BMW X5 xDrive40e can travel approximately 14 miles on pure electric propulsion, powered by a lithium-ion battery, ideally suited for short commutes and quick trips around town yielding an impressive 56 MPGe. 

Combined, the gasoline engine and electric motor put out 308 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the X5 xDrive40e from 0-60mph in just 6.5 seconds. 

This Sports Activity Vehicle features BMW xDrive, the company’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, for optimal stability and traction under all road conditions. The 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e is available in US showrooms for $63,095 including $995 Destination & Handling.

BMW X5 xDrive40e Press Kit.

The BMW i8 is the first eDrive 2+2 sports-car from BMW. It sits at the pinnacle of the

BMW i lineup of visionary vehicles which are purpose built from the ground up as electric and hybrid electric, constructed primarily from lightweight carbon fiber. Currently in showrooms and priced at $141,695 including $995 Destination & Handling, the MY2016 BMW i8 features Laser Lights available as an option for the first time in the US, enhancing its athletic design and sleek, low slung exterior. 

The BMW i8 operates with extremely high fuel efficiency boasting a US EPA rating of 76 MPGe combined. 

It is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on the way to an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph.

BMW i8 Press Kit.

The BMW i3, constructed from the ground up primarily from lightweight carbon fiber, features a 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque hybrid-synchronous electric motor that propels the vehicle from 0-60 mph in approximately 7.2 seconds. The BMW i3 is electrified by a 22-kWh lithium-ion battery and will travel approximately 81 miles of emission-free driving. 

The BMW i3 offers interior space comparable to the legendary BMW 3 Series on a shorter overall body. Its 32.4-foot turning circle and a relatively long wheelbase make it agile and engaging to drive, yet ideally suited to driving in dense urban areas. With a combined rating of 124 MPGe, the BMW i3 is the most efficient electric as rated by the US EPA. 

Currently in showrooms, the BMW i3 has a base MSRP of $43,395, before any federal or state incentives, including $995 for Destination & Handling.

BMW i3 Press Kit.

The limited edition BMW i3 Shadow Sport (BEV) with Fluid Black exterior paint color and dark grey cloth interior with blue highlights (Deka World) is making its premiere at this year’s LAAS. 

The BMW i3 Shadow Sport Edition features a moonroof and a sport tuned suspension complimented by 19 inch wheels. A Limited Edition Plaque marks all 50 vehicles produced and is available for $48,395 including Destination & Handling.

Throughout the Los Angeles Auto Show, follow the conversation on social media using the hashtag #BMWLAAS.

BMW at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014.

• New BMW i8 to be seen in action for the first time in the UK
• The BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition and a special M4 Coupé to storm up Goodwood’s famous hill  
• BMW Pavilion to showcase all-new M cars at this summer’s Festival

The Goodwood Festival of Speed, 26-29 June 2014, will see a trio of spectacular BMWs drive up the famous 1.16 mile hill.  BMW’s most advanced sport car ever, the new BMW i8, will be seen for the first time in the UK along with the BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition – the most powerful production car in the history of the brand.  With a special M4 Coupé in action too, and a line-up of the hottest new BMW M cars on stand, this summer’s Festival promises one of the most exciting displays ever for the Bavarian manufacturer.

The new BMW i8 will steer its way up Goodwood’s hill, showcasing the searing acceleration of the new plug-in hybrid sport car. The BMW i8 uses a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, with a 1.5-litre capacity, in conjunction with an electric motor that takes BMW’s EfficientDynamics philosophy to a new high. Utilising both power sources enables the sprint from zero to 62mph to take just 4.4 seconds, going on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.  All the while combined fuel consumption stands at 135mpg and CO₂ emissions come in at 49g/km.

With the introduction of optional BMW laser headlights, the BMW i8 is the world’s first production car to offer this innovative lighting technology.

The BMW i8 launches in the UK in July 2014,  costs £99,845 OTR and will qualify for a HM Treasury Plug-In Car grant of £5,000. At the wheel of the BMW i8 in the ‘Supercar’ category will be British born factory BMW GT driver, Alexander Sims.

The BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition

To celebrate 30 years of the BMW M5, BMW has created an exclusive, special-edition of the current, fifth-generation model boasting performance that sets it apart from its stablemates. The BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition (30 years of the M5) will be produced in a limited run of just 300 vehicles worldwide. Only 30 cars will come to the UK.

Developing 600hp and peak torque of700Nm, this special-edition (combined fuel consumption 28.5mpg; CO₂ emissions: 231g/km) is not only the most powerful BMW M5 ever to emerge from series production under the auspices of BMW M, but also the most powerful production car in the history of the brand. The M5 30 Jahre Edition sprints from zero to 62mph in a lightning fast 3.9 seconds. Its BMW Individual-inspired looks and dynamic and comfort-enhancing equipment make this special edition M5 set to be a highly desirable collector’s item.

The M5 30 Jahre Edition represents a new high point in 30 years of success that began at BMW Motorsport GmbH in Munich in 1984, andcontinues to raise the pulses of car fans around the world today. It is on sale now and costs £91,890 OTR. At the helm of the BMW M5 in the ‘First Glance’ category at Goodwood will be one of the UK’s best ever international racing drivers, Steve Soper.

An Individual M4 in action

The first ever BMW Individual M4 Coupé built for the UK will premiere at Goodwood. The Tanzanite Blue metallic Coupé will be the first M4 built in a BMW Individual colour and with a Merino leather upholstery interior from the BMW Individual Collection.

Components from the new BMW M Performance Accessories range, which launches on 12 September 2014, have been provided to significantly add to the M4’s aerodynamic and athletic appearance. These include a carbon-fibre front splitter, carbon-fibre rear spoiler, carbon-fibre rear diffuser and carbon-fibre wing mirrors. The distinctive look is complemented by the M Performance sports exhaust, with Titanium exhaust trims, and by interior enhancements including an Alcantara steering wheel with race display.

Built especially in time for the Festival of Speed, the vehicle’s specification was chosen by fans of ‘PistonHeads.com’ and two lucky competition winners will drive the car up the hill as part of the Moving Motor Show. During the Festival, in the ‘First Glance’ category, the car will be driven by one of the UK’s best known television presenters and ex-racing driver, Tiff Needell.

Two UK premieres and a packed BMW stand

The BMW Pavilion will host the fifth generation of the iconic high-performance sports car from BMW M. The new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé will entice visitors to an already-exciting stand featuring the BMW i8, the special anniversary M5 30 Jahre Edition, other models from the company’s M division, and two UK premieres.

Also on show is the eagerly anticipated new BMW M4 Convertible - the fifth-generation high-performance open-top car of its kind. Powered by the same 431hp M TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder engine as the M3 Saloon and M4 Coupé, the Convertible offers the option of six-speed manual or seven-speed M Double Clutch transmissions.

The M4 Convertible exhibits all the hallmarks of a car created by BMW’s high-performance specialists – lightweight engineering, carefully honed aerodynamics, advanced race-derived chassis tuning and electronic driver assistance technologies and a sporty elegant profile, open or closed. The BMW M4 Convertible launches in the UK on 6 September 2014, priced at £60,745 OTR.

On stand too will be the new BMW X4. It combines the hallmark features of the BMW X family with the sporting elegance of a classical coupé, resulting in BMW’s first Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) for the premium mid-size segment. The BMW X4 arrives in dealerships on 12 July 2014 and will be priced from £36,595 OTR for an X4 xDrive20d SE.

Whilst Alexander Sims, Tiff Needell and Steve Soper will all be aiming for a quick run up the hill, they will also be in the BMW Pavilion for interviews and autographs. They will be joined by legendary Formula 1 commentator, Murray Walker OBE, and by presenter for BT Vision’s Premier League football coverage, Jake Humphreys. Visitors with a culinary interest will also be in for a treat: the BMW Pavilion will also host one of the world’s best chefs, Jason Atherton, for a series of interviews.

Once again this year, BMW and MINI owners will be able to access the exclusive BMW Owners’ Lounge, on the first floor of the Pavilion,by presenting their keys at the entrance.

Visitors will also be able to view the BMW Dashboard – an imposing 10 metre LED screen that will form the main focal point of the BMW Pavilion. This will contain live feeds from Instagram, Twitter, show weather updates and will also be interspersed with interesting BMW and Goodwood facts. Performance-oriented fans will be able to play on a BMW simulator game pod, whilst fans of BMW M will be able to enjoy the Heritage totem – an interactive totem that takes visitors through the history of BMW M.

Representing BMW Group UK at the Goodwood will be Martin Harrison, Media Relations Officer on 07815 377083, who will be available to answer media enquiries. 

BMW deliver first Laser light i8 hybrid supercars.

The world’s first BMW i8s (fuel consumption combined: 2.1–0.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 49–0 g/km) were handed over to customers today at BMW Welt in Munich: The first eight customers from Germany received their BMW i8s as part of an official ceremony in which Roland Krüger, Head of Sales and Marketing Germany for the BMW Group, and Dr. Helmut Schramm, Head of Production Electric Vehicles at Plant Leipzig, presented them with the keys to their new cars. 

The first BMW i8 cars also feature the ground-breaking BMW laser light.

An exclusive evening reception to mark the BMW i8 market launch, with celebrity guests, such as TV presenter Thomas Gottschalk and actor Thomas Kretschmann, rounded off the official vehicle presentation.

BMW Laser Light in series production 

With its BMW i8, BMW is the first manufacturer worldwide to offer totally new laser-powered headlights in a production vehicle. The BMW i8 will make automotive history with its laser lights, as the first series-produced vehicle to feature this completely new lighting technology.

While high-intensity, energy-efficient full LED headlights are standard in the BMW i8, the optional laser-boost feature extends its high-beam range to up to 600 metres, doubling the already impressive illumination range of the latest LED high-beam headlights.

The new technology uses 30 per cent less energy than ultra-power-saving LED lights, takes up less installation space inside the headlight and weighs less.

The outstanding range of BMW laser headlights offers even greater illumination and visibility for driving in the dark, ensuring a more relaxed and comfortable driving experience with enhanced road safety. Dazzling of oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead is reliably eliminated in conjunction with the camera-aided digital high-beam assistant.

BMW i in Germany

“In November of last year, we welcomed the first BMW i3 customers here at BMW Welt. Today, we are continuing the BMW i success story with the first eight BMW i8 customers worldwide. As ‘the first of a new era’, the BMW i8 combines the sustainable design of a carbon-fibre body with a powerful plug-in hybrid,” stated Roland Krüger. “This success would not be possible without our retail partners. We are delighted that our BMW i agents are accompanying us on the road to the future of mobility.”

The BMW i8 is the BMW Group’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle. It combines the driving performance of a high-performance sports car with the fuel consumption and emissions of a small car. BMW i8 deliveries will begin in all main international BMW Group markets in June.

Presentation with familiar faces

Following the vehicle handover, the new BMW i8 was presented to a select audience in a special multimedia show, featuring actor Thomas Kretschmann. “The car looks fantastic. It’s a technical revolution. I’m really looking forward to working with BMW,” said Kretschmann.

Roland Krüger was joined by Dr. Carsten Breitfeld, BMW i8 Project Manager; Benoit Jacob, Head of Design BMW i; and Dr. Helmut Schramm, Head of Production for BMW i vehicles at Plant Leipzig to answer questions in a BMW i8 roundtable chaired by Thomas Gottschalk. “I just experienced driving the BMW i8 for myself: It’s a lot of fun. I would never have thought pure electric driving could be so sporty,” remarked Gottschalk.

Later, guests celebrated the market launch of the BMW i8 with renowned Austrian DJ and producer Parov Stelar.

Breathtaking performance and groundbreaking technology unite in the most powerful R8 road car ever produced by Audi

• 5.2-litre V10 engine developing 570PS and 540Nm - 0 to 62mph in 3.4 seconds, top speed 198mph, combined MPG 21.9, CO₂ 299g/km
• Priced from £160,025 OTR
• Pioneering laser high beam lighting offers twice the illumination range of all-LED headlights
• Exclusive UK debut set for Goodwood Festival of Speed (June 26-29, 2014)
• Limited production run of just 99 models worldwide
• Luxurious specification includes Audi exclusive paint finish

A new limited edition LMX version of the Audi R8 will not only be the most powerful roadgoing iteration of the super sports car ever made, but will also be notable as the first production car to adopt laser high beam lighting as standard. The new 570PS, 198mph R8 LMX will make its UK public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and will become available to order at the same time priced from £160,025 OTR. UK deliveries will begin in the autumn.

The Audi R8 LMX is based on the acclaimed V10 plus model with its high-revving, mid‑mounted ten-cylinder engine, double wishbone suspension and ASF (Audi Space Frame) aluminium body. It will be available exclusively as a coupe with a production run limited to 99 vehicles, and with 540 Nm of torque to complement its 570PS output will be capable of rocketing to 62mph from rest in just 3.4 seconds before topping out at 198mph.

A compact, seven-speed S tronic transmission transfers the power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, which distributes it judiciously to racing-inspired 19-inch, 20-spoke wheels shod with tyres with 215mm front and 305mm rear widths. These conceal carbon-fibre ceramic brake discs with red anodised calipers measuring 380 mm in diameter at the front.

The light emitted by laser beams before they pass through a phosphor converter is blue, and this has inspired an Audi exclusive Ara Blue, crystal effect customised paint finish for the new R8 LMX. If preferred, it can also be ordered with Daytona Grey matt effect or Mythos Black, metallic paint finishes.  

The new flagship model is also marked out by a large, fixed rear spoiler for increased downforce on the rear axle, and by additional use of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) for the front spoiler lip, side flics, engine compartment cover, exterior mirror housings, sideblades, rear wing and diffuser. The Singleframe grille and front air intakes and the outlet grille at the rear are finished in titanium grey, while the sports exhaust system features high-gloss black tailpipes.

Blue accents continue the theme in the interior with its bucket seats upholstered in Fine Nappa leather and finished with Sepang Blue diamond stitching and backrest covers in Ara Blue. Sepang Blue diamond stitching also adds contrast in the Alcantara headlining and black Fine Nappa leather door trim panels, and the colour is also sewn into the edges of the parking brake lever, centre tunnel console, steering wheel and instrument cowl.

The list of subtle details marking out this exclusive model also includes matt carbon covers for the centre tunnel console and parking brake lever, the inlays in the doors and the arc around the cockpit, and illuminated aluminium inlays bearing the limited-edition number integrated into the CFRP door sill trims. Fine Nappa leather adorns the selector lever for the S tronic and the knee pads, and the floor mats have black piping and Sepang Blue stitching.

Revolutionary laser high beam lighting

In 2008, the Audi R8 became the first production car in the world to feature all‑LED headlights; this was followed in 2012 by dynamic indicators with a unique sweeping action. Audi launched a new chapter in automotive lighting with the Matrix LED headlights, which debuted in the updated A8 in 2013. Now the brand with the four rings is progressing to the next stage in the R8 LMX: the laser spot for the high beams. It increases the illumination range substantially, which is ideal for a supercar like the R8 LMX.

Audi engineers work very closely with their racing colleagues on the development of lighting technologies. The combination of LED and laser high beams, for example, will be used for the first time on the new Audi R18 e‑tron quattro at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 14 and 15. The premium brand is thus continuing its tradition of using racing to test new technologies destined for production.

“Audi has long dominated the most important 24-hour race. In addition to the outstanding TDI drive technology, a maximum light yield gives our pilots a major advantage, and with night racing in particular is a key factor to our success,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg. “The transfer of the laser headlight to the Audi R8 LMX underscores our leading position in lighting technology. The safety benefit this provides to the customer truly represents Vorsprung durch Technik,” says AUDI AG’s Board Member for Development.

With the new laser high beams, one laser module per headlight generates a cone of light with twice the range of the all-LED headlight. Each module comprises four high-power laser diodes. With a diameter of just 300 micrometers, these generate a blue laser beam with a wavelength of 450 nanometers. A phosphor converter transforms this into roadworthy white light with a colour temperature of 5,500 Kelvin – ideal conditions for the human eye that enable the driver to recognise contrast more easily and help prevent fatigue. The laser spot, which is active at speeds of 37mph and above, supplements the LED high beam in the R8 LMX and greatly enhances visibility and safety. An intelligent camera-based sensor system detects other road users and actively adjusts the light pattern to avoid dazzle.

AUDI's new traffic light recognition system could save millions of litres of fuel.

Market maturity for traffic light networking represents the next phase of Audi connect

• Audi Online traffic light information system has the potential to save time and fuel
• 15 per cent reduction in CO₂ emissions possible
• System alerts driver to speed required to reach the next green light
• Fully developed prototype system showcased in an Audi A6 Saloon at CES
• Integrated into Audi connect and MMI, and compatible with every Audi model

Audi is ready to add a little oil to the wheels of the daily grind with advanced traffic light recognition technology which could make driving through towns and cities far more fluid and free of annoying and economy-denting red light punctuation.

Audi Online traffic light information harnesses the power of in-car internet in a new way via Audi connect to establish a link between the car and the traffic light network via the central traffic computer in each town or city. It quickly assimilates the automated traffic light change sequences in the vicinity, and on the approach to a set of lights the Driver Information System (DIS) located in the central instrument cluster then shows the driver the speed to select in order to pass through the light during a green phase. It also displays a visual aid using red, amber or green icons.  

If the driver is already waiting at a red light, Audi connect will calculate and count down the time remaining until the next green light is scheduled to appear via a timer on the DIS. The system also interacts with the car’s Start-Stop function to ensure the engine is switched on five seconds before the green phase.

Audi AG calculates that Online traffic light interaction has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 15 per cent, and could save approximately 900 million litres of fuel if it were to be deployed throughout Germany.

The fully functional system is now production ready and could be fitted to every Audi model in the range subject to the necessary government legislation. It was actively demonstrated recently on the busy Las Vegas freeways in an Audi A6 Saloon as part of a trailblazing technology display at the Consumer Electronics Show, and comprehensive testing continues in Las Vegas with 50 sets of traffic lights. Testing is also underway in the northern Italian city of Verona, where some 60 traffic lights covering almost the entire city centre are involved, and in Berlin, where 25 Audi customers are driving cars fitted with Online traffic information that can link up to a total of 1,000 traffic lights in the city. A market launch is currently the subject of intense analysis in the United States.

Online traffic light information shared the stage with a host of technological advances from the Vorsprung durch Technik brand at this year’s CES, which represented the next phase in seamless connectivity between Audi models, their drivers and the rest of the digital world. Significant developments in Audi piloted parking and driving were demonstrated, with the central focus on an Audi A7 Sportback that can drive fully autonomously in moving traffic. Another immersive innovation is the Audi Smart Display, an Android-based tablet that allows users to interact with in-car controls yet can also be used as a standalone portable device in the home or on the move.

The Sport quattro laserlight concept also revealed the next generation of Audi lighting. The high-beam laser light unit can illuminate the road by up to 500 metres and will debut on the R18 e-tron quattro sports prototype at Le Mans in June.  

Laser lights to appear on AUDI Sport quattro Coupe Concept.

• 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.

Lightweight design made visible: the interior
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.

New solutions: displays and controls
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.

Powerful and highly efficient: the drive system
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).

Body and chassis
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.