With the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e , Audi is continuing its electrification offensive. The plug-in hybrid models from the A6, A7, A8, Q5, and Q7 product lines have already been introduced on the markets. Now, the compact models are following suit. The Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e, which took up the concept of its successful predecessor, the A3 Sportback e-tron, and further optimized it, will kick things off. A more powerful variant that emphasizes the sporty accents will follow shortly after.

The GREENTECH FESTIVAL is being held for the second time in Berlin. It will be conducted for the first time as a hybrid event to comply with the prevailing hygiene and distancing rules. The two-day conference (September 17–18) with numerous discussion panels will be supplemented by deep dive sessions designed specifically for online viewers. These are detailed presentations of elected initiatives and projects for more sustainability and climate protection, and will be available online afterward to those who register on the festival’s website. Henrik Wenders, SVP Audi Brand, will join representatives from the Boston Consulting Group and Hyundai Motor Europe on the Mobility panel (September 17, 1–1:20 p.m.) to discuss ways to a more sustainable industry. As a founding partner, Audi is presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award Friday evening (September 18), which honors disruptive ideas and innovations to combat climate change. Audi is showcasing the following topics on the show floor:

The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron

Audi presents the second model in the Q4 e-tron product line: The Q4 Sportback e-tron concept provides a very tangible look at the second electric model in the compact segment, which Audi is putting into production next year. The coupe variant features not just a dynamic and elegant design, but also diverse efficiency technologies to optimize range, from the low drag of the Sportback silhouette to sophisticated recuperation. The complex thermal management of the drive and battery, which includes a CO2 heat pump, reduces electricity consumption in everyday use. As is typical for an Audi SUV, the concept car is equipped with quattro all-wheel drive. The concept car also boasts substantial range. At more than 450 kilometers (279.6 mi) according to the WLTP standard, the Q4 Sportback e-tron concept sets a high bar for its vehicle class. Production variants with rear-wheel drive are even expected to achieve over 500 kilometers (310.7 mi).

Decarbonization of the supply chain: The Audi CO2 program 

The systematic electrification of our models means that a major portion of CO2 emissions in the future will occur in the supply chain. The production of high-voltage batteries, in particular, is very energy intensive. Audi therefore launched the CO2 program in 2018 and conducts regular workshops with suppliers to identify and exploit savings potential. The use of green energy, innovative recycling concepts and the use of secondary material all harbor great potential. For example, Audi manages aluminum in a closed loop. The aluminum closed loop shows how the use of precious primary raw materials can be avoided intelligently. Audi is presenting these and other innovative procurement approaches together with the Mission:Zero environmental program in an online deep dive session.

Environmental protection within production: Mission:Zero from Audi

Audi bundles all activities and measures for reducing the ecological footprint at its sites worldwide in Production and Logistics in the Mission:Zero environmental program. The focus is on Audi’s key challenges of decarbonization, water use, resource efficiency, and biodiversity. A central goal is for Audi to achieve net CO2-neutral operation of all its production sites by 2025. Audi Brussels, where the models in the Audi e-tron1 product line roll off the assembly line, already achieved this goal in 2018. Audi Hungaria will follow this year.

Potent partners for clean air: Collaboration with Climeworks

The Swiss company Climeworks is building the world’s largest direct air capture and storage facility for converting atmospheric CO2 to rock in Iceland. Audi is partnering with the Zurich-based environmental startup and promoting a future technology with the project. The facility will filter 4,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the air and mineralize it underground. Climeworks is removing 1,000 metric tons thereof from the atmosphere on behalf of Audi. The two partners are presenting detailed information about the technology at their stand. A deep dive session rounds out their presence at the festival.

The first A3 Sportback g-tron introduced by Audi in 2014 already featured a sophisticated technology concept. The successor builds on that. Its 1.5 TFSI engine produces 96 kW (131 PS) and generates 200 Nm (147.5 lb-ft) of torque between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm2.Its turbocharger with variable turbine geometry makes optimal use of the exhaust gas energy for early and harmonious torque development. The Miller combustion process provides tremendous consumption advantages during normal driving. With its abbreviated compression phase and long expansion phase, it was designed specifically for operation at partial load.

Operation with the knock-resistant fuel CNG enables a higher 12.5:1 compression ratio compared with the conventional combustion process of the 1.5 TFSI 110 kW (150 PS) and also improves efficiency. The cylinder head, injection system, turbocharger and catalytic converter were modified accordingly for the CNG engine. Before the gas reaches the injector valves, an electronic pressure regulator reduces the pressure from as much as 200 bar, which can prevail in the tanks, to between 5 and 9 bar.

The CNG model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 9.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 211 km/h (131.1 mph). Average NEDC fuel consumption for the four-cylinder is just 3.6 – 3.5 kilograms CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) per 100 kilometers, corresponding to a CO2 equivalent of 99 – 96 grams per kilometer (159.3 – 154.5 g/mi). With full gas tanks, the car has an NEDC range of up to 495 (307.6 mi) kilometers and a WLTP range of up to 445 kilometers (276.5 mi). This is supplemented by the additional range offered by the reserve gasoline tank with a net usable volume of 9 liters (2.4 US gal) mounted in front of the rear axle. Power is transferred to the front wheels via the standard seven-speed S tronic.

The four-cylinder always starts in CNG mode, only injecting slight amounts of gasoline under rare operating conditions. If the pressure in the gas tanks drops below a certain threshold, which varies depending on the current driving state, the engine switches to gasoline mode. The driver does not notice this switch. The fuel level in the tanks and consumption in the respective operating mode are displayed in the digital instrument cluster. The two filler necks are placed under a common fuel flap.

Light and safe: the CNG tanks

Three CNG tanks arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel are located in the rear of the Audi A3 Sportback 30 g-tron. A narrow steel cylinder with a capacity of approximately 4 kilograms of gas is mounted in front of the gasoline tank. Two large tanks, each of which can hold approximately 7 kilograms of CNG, are located beneath the luggage compartment floor. They are made of fiber-composite materials and, in keeping with Audi’s lightweight construction philosophy, each weighs just 26 kilograms (57.3 lb). The inner layer is a gas-tight polyamide vessel. The ultra high-strength outer shell comprises two layers: an inner layer of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and an outer layer of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP). The GFRP layer also has a safety function: It turns a milky white if damaged. A cover likewise made of GFRP protects the tanks against stone impacts or other road influences.

Utmost care is taken during their manufacture. Before the tanks are mounted in the car, they are pressure tested at 300 bar, far above the operating pressure of 200 bar. The vessels withstand a burst pressure of 580 bar, which is also well above the 470 bar required by law. Crash tests requirements are also easily met. 

Powerful advantages: lower costs, lower emissions

The Audi A3 Sportback 30 g-tron is also a leader when it comes to economy, in part because of the favorable tax rate on natural gas and biomethane in Germany until 2026. The emissions balance is similarly positive. Due to the fuel’s high hydrogen content, a CNG automobile emits approximately 20 percent less carbon dioxide than a comparable gasoline model.

There are currently some 850 CNG gas stations in Germany. More than half of them sell biomethane produced entirely from waste, and this number is increasing. With this fuel, driving is nearly climate-neutral. When the fuel is burned in the engine, it only releases as much CO2 as the biomass from which it was produced bound while growing.

The Four Rings brand is helping to further increase the share of sustainable methane in the gas mix by feeding Audi e­gas into the natural gas network. The synthetic fuel is produced at the power-to-gas plant in Werlte from water and carbon dioxide using electricity generated by wind power. Audi sources the CO2 from an adjacent biogas plant that recycles agricultural waste. The power-to-gas plant in Emsland is both a research facility and production site that also serves to stabilize the power grid in light of the increasing share of fluctuating green electricity from wind and solar power generation.

Like all models in the series, the Audi A3 Sportback 30 g-tron combines very fun driving with everyday utility. Beneath its expressive exterior lie many technologies from the full-size class. They can be found in the operating concept and the infotainment, the headlights, the interior and the sporty balanced handling. Depending on the position of the rear seat backs, the luggage compartment has a volume of 280 to 1,100 liters (9.9 to 38.8 cu ft). The loading floor is flush with the loading edge. 

The Audi A3 Sportback 30 g-tron comes standard with the following equipment: LED headlights, digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch touch display, leather-covered multifunction steering wheel and the assistance systems Audi pre sense front, lane departure warning, swerve assist and turn assist. Options include matrix LED headlights with digital daytime running lights, three-zone automatic air conditioning, head-up display, sport seats with integrated head restraints, panoramic glass sunroof and adaptive cruise assist, which supports the driver with longitudinal and lateral guidance. Three exterior and three interior lines, which can be freely combined, provide for a high level of customization. 

Sales of the Audi A3 Sportback 30 g-tron in Germany and other European countries begin in fall 2020. The base price in Germany is €30,705.88. 

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

The brand with the four rings has been training its career entrants in a total of 18 vocational fields for more than 70 years in Ingolstadt. The first day for the newcomers this year is quite a departure from the usual routine, however. The various vocational groups are being received at the Training Center at different times – “coronavirus-ready” – and brought to the respective group rooms. They are being welcomed there via video by Board of Management Member for Human Resources Sabine Maaßen and by Chairman of the Works Council Peter Mosch, as well as by the older apprentices at Audi, among others. This procedure ensures sufficient distance is maintained between the groups.

“It is especially important to us to guarantee our new apprentices the best possible start in a future-focused apprenticeship, despite the challenging situation,” said Christoph Hermreck, Head of Vocational Training Coordination. Digital learning tools also play a central role: “We’ve already gained a lot of experience in this area through the conversion to digital platforms and virtual learning. The new generation of apprentices is benefiting from this.” Peter Mosch underscores that: “Only a solid and modern apprenticeship can prepare the skilled employees of tomorrow for the challenges of the future in the best possible way. And we are providing our young Audi employees with exactly that kind of training.” 

With dual vocational education, the brand with the four rings is offering practical training in future-oriented skills related to connected automobiles and systems, data management, and modern communication systems. Apprentices acquire practical know-how in the Training Center or at learning stations while also being equipped with theoretical knowledge at the vocational school. A new feature this year is the commercial apprenticeship in the area of digitalization management, a broadening of the apprenticeship for former IT management assistants. As an interface function between IT and specialist area, the focus here is also on the digital development of business models and on the topics of data protection and security. Audi is thus adapting its vocational training to the digitalization process within the company and is training specialists in relevant areas at an early stage. For the first time, a paramedic is also being trained. Another offer in the apprenticeship range is the possibility of additional qualification in various vocational fields including digital networking or additive manufacturing (3D printing). These are completed with an additional Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) examination.

In addition to vocational training, the company also offers the dual study program “Audi dual.” In this case, in addition to the theoretical course content, the program also includes practical assignments within the company. “A dual course of study provides a practice-oriented head start into the incredibly wide-ranging careers in our company,” says Marco Reich, Head of Coordination for Dual Courses of Study. The trend towards IT and digitalization, alongside the technical subject of mechanical engineering, can also be seen in the fields of study being offered. The automobile manufacturer is cooperating to this end with the Technical University of Ingolstadt and the Technical University of Munich. 

After successful completion, the automotive company guarantees students and apprentices a permanent position.