Editing Audi (section)

==Technology==

=== Audi AI ===
Audi AI is a [[Advanced driver-assistance systems|driver assist]] feature offered by Audi. The company's stated intent is to offer fully autonomous driving at a future time, acknowledging that legal, regulatory and technical hurdles must be overcome to achieve this goal. On 4 June 2017, Audi stated that its new [[Audi A8|A8]] will be fully self-driving for speeds up to 60&nbsp;km/h using its Audi AI. Contrary to other cars, the driver will not have to do safety checks such as touching the steering wheel every 15 seconds to use this feature. The Audi A8 will therefore be the first production car to reach [[Autonomous car#Classification|level 3 autonomous driving]], meaning that the driver can safely turn their attention away from driving tasks, e.g. the driver can text or watch a movie. Audi will also be the first manufacturer to use a 3D [[Lidar]] system in addition to cameras and ultrasonic sensors for their AI.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/audi-s-self-driving-a8-drivers-can-watch-youtube-or-check-emails-at-60km-h-1.3150496|title=Audi's self-driving A8: drivers can watch YouTube or check emails at 60km/h|last=McAleer|first=Michael|date=11 July 2017|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=11 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-audi-a8-the-worlds-first-production-car-to-achieve-level-3-autonomy|title=The Audi A8: the World's First Production Car to Achieve Level 3 Autonomy|last=Ross|first=Philip E.|date=11 July 2017|website=IEEE Spectrum: Technology, Engineering, and Science News|access-date=14 July 2017}}</ref>

===Bodyshells===
Audi produces 100% [[Galvanisation|galvanised]] [[automobiles|cars]] to prevent [[corrosion]],<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090317013835/http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/tools/glossary/chassis_body/corrosion_protection.html Corrosion protection]. audiusa.com</ref> and was the first mass-market vehicle to do so, following introduction of the process by [[Porsche]], c. 1975. Along with other precautionary measures, the full-body [[zinc]] coating has proved to be very effective in preventing rust. The body's resulting durability even surpassed Audi's own expectations, causing the manufacturer to extend its original 10-year [[warranty]] against corrosion perforation to currently 12 years (except for aluminium bodies which do not rust).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/tools/glossary/chassis_body/galvanised_body.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221015807/http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/tools/glossary/chassis_body/galvanised_body.html |archive-date=21 February 2009 |title=Audi of America &gt; Glossary &gt; Chassis & Body &gt; Galvanised body |publisher=Audi USA |access-date=27 April 2009}}</ref>

===Space Frame===
[[File:Audi R8 - Flickr - Alexandre Prévot (160) (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|The [[Audi R8]] uses Audi Space Frame technology.]]

Audi introduced a new series of vehicles in the mid-1990s and continues to pursue new technology and high performance. An all-aluminium car was brought forward by Audi, and in 1994 the [[Audi A8]] was launched, which introduced aluminium [[space frame]] technology (called ''Audi Space Frame'' or ASF) which saves weight and improves torsion rigidity compared to a conventional steel frame. Prior to that effort, Audi used examples of the Type 44 chassis fabricated out of aluminium as test-beds for the technique. The disadvantage of the aluminium frame is that it is very expensive to repair and requires a specialized aluminium bodyshop.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/09q1/2007_audi_s8-long-term_road_test/sidebar_page_3 |title=2007 Audi S8 – Long-Term Road Test – Page 4 |website=Caranddriver.com |access-date=18 November 2011}}</ref> The weight reduction is somewhat offset by the [[Quattro (four-wheel drive system)|quattro]] [[four-wheel drive]] system which is standard in most markets. Nonetheless, the A8 is usually the lightest all-wheel drive car in the full-size luxury segment, also having best-in-class fuel economy.<ref>{{cite web |last=Peterson |first=Thane |url=http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/oct2010/bw2010104_140585.htm |title=Review: 2011 Audi A8 |work=Bloomberg BusinessWeek |date=5 October 2010 |access-date=2 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119123104/http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/oct2010/bw2010104_140585.htm |archive-date=19 January 2011 }}</ref> The [[Audi A2]], [[Audi TT]] and [[Audi R8 (road car)|Audi R8]] also use Audi Space Frame designs.

===Drivetrains===

====Layout====
For most of its lineup (excluding the A3, A1, and TT models), Audi has not adopted the transverse engine layout which is typically found in economy cars (such as Peugeot and Citroën), since that would limit the type and power of engines that can be installed. To be able to mount powerful engines (such as a V8 engine in the [[Audi S4]] and [[Audi RS4]], as well as the [[W12 engine]] in the [[Audi A8|Audi A8L W12]]), Audi has usually engineered its more expensive cars with a [[Longitudinal engine|longitudinally]] [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|front-mounted engine]], in an "overhung" position, over the front wheels in front of the axle line—this layout dates back to the DKW and Auto Union saloons from the 1950s. But while this allows for the easy adoption of all-wheel drive, it goes against the ideal 50:50 weight distribution.

In all its post [[Volkswagen]] era models, Audi has firmly refused to adopt the traditional [[rear-wheel drive]] layout favored by its two archrivals [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]], favoring either [[front-wheel drive]] or [[four-wheel drive|all-wheel drive]]. The majority of Audi's lineup in the United States features all-wheel drive standard on most of its expensive vehicles (only the entry-level trims of the A4 and A6 are available with front-wheel drive), in contrast to [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]] whose lineup treats all-wheel drive as an option. BMW did not offer all-wheel drive on its V8-powered cars (as opposed to crossover SUVs) until the 2010 BMW 7 Series and 2011 BMW 5 Series, while the Audi A8 has had all-wheel drive available/standard since the 1990s. Regarding high-performance variants, [[Audi S and RS models]] have always had all-wheel drive, unlike their direct rivals from [[BMW M]] and [[Mercedes-AMG]] whose cars are rear-wheel drive only (although their performance crossover SUVs are all-wheel drive).

Audi has recently applied the ''quattro'' badge to models such as the A3 and TT which do not use the [[Torsen]]-based system as in prior years with a mechanical center differential, but with the [[Haldex Traction]] electro-mechanical clutch AWD system.

====Engines====
{{Further|List of Audi vehicles#Production model engines}}
[[File:Volkswagen W12.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Volkswagen Group]] W12 engine from the [[Volkswagen Phaeton|Volkswagen Phaeton W12]]]]

Prior to the introduction of the Audi 80 and Audi 50 in 1972 and 1974, respectively, Audi had led the development of the ''EA111'' and ''EA827'' [[Straight-four engine|inline-four]] engine families. These new power units underpinned the water-cooled revival of parent company Volkswagen (in the Polo, Golf, Passat and Scirocco), whilst the many derivatives and descendants of these two basic engine designs have appeared in every generation of VW Group vehicles right up to the present day.

In the 1980s, Audi, along with Volvo, was the champion of the [[Straight-five engine|inline-five]] cylinder, [[Engine displacement|2.1/2.2 L]] engine as a longer-lasting alternative to more traditional six-cylinder engines. This engine was used not only in production cars but also in their race cars. The 2.1&nbsp;L inline five-cylinder engine was used as a base for the [[Rallying|rally cars]] in the 1980s, providing well over {{convert|400|hp|kW|abbr=off}} after modification. Before 1990, there were engines produced with a displacement between 2.0&nbsp;L and 2.3&nbsp;L. This range of engine capacity allowed for both fuel economy and power.

For the ultra-luxury version of its [[Audi A8]] fullsize luxury flagship sedan, the Audi A8L W12, Audi uses the [[Volkswagen Group]] [[list of Volkswagen Group petrol engines#W12|W12 engine]] instead of the conventional [[V12 engine]] favored by rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The W12 engine configuration (also known as a "WR12") is created by forming two imaginary narrow-angle 15° [[VR6 engine]]s at an angle of 72°, and the narrow angle of each set of cylinders allows just two [[overhead camshaft]]s to drive each pair of banks, so just four are needed in total. The advantage of the W12 engine is its compact packaging, allowing Audi to build a 12-cylinder sedan with all-wheel drive, whereas a conventional [[V12 engine]] could have only a rear-wheel drive configuration as it would have no space in the engine bay for a differential and other components required to power the front wheels. In fact, the 6.0&nbsp;L W12 in the Audi A8L W12 is smaller in overall dimensions than the 4.2&nbsp;L V8 that powers the Audi A8 4.2 variants.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newcartestdrive.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2005_Audi_A8&ReviewID=2934 |title=2005 Audi A8 Review and Photos |website=New Car Test Drive |access-date=18 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030011923/http://www.newcartestdrive.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2005_Audi_A8&ReviewID=2934 |archive-date=30 October 2013 }}</ref> The 2011 Audi A8 debuted a revised 6.3-litre version of the W12 (WR12) engine with {{convert|500|PS|kW hp|abbr=on}}.

====Fuel Stratified Injection====
New models of the A3, A4, A6 and A8 have been introduced, with the ageing 1.8-litre engine now having been replaced by new [[Gasoline direct injection|Fuel Stratified Injection]] (FSI) engines. Nearly every petroleum burning model in the range now incorporates this fuel-saving technology.

[[File:2007 Audi R8 Engine.JPG|thumb|V8 FSI engine]]

====Direct-Shift Gearbox====
In 2003, Volkswagen introduced the [[Direct-Shift Gearbox]] (DSG), a type of [[dual-clutch transmission]]. It is a type of [[automatic transmission]], drivable like a conventional torque converter [[automatic transmission]]. Based on the gearbox found in the Group B S1, the system includes dual electro-hydraulically controlled [[clutch]]es instead of a [[torque converter]]. This is implemented in some [[Volkswagen Golf|VW Golfs]], [[Audi A3]], [[Audi A4]] and [[Audi TT|TT]] models where DSG is called S-Tronic.

===LED daytime running lights===
Beginning in 2005, Audi has implemented white [[light-emitting diode|LED]] technology as [[daytime running light]]s (DRL) in their products. The distinctive shape of the DRLs has become a trademark of sorts. LEDs were first introduced on the [[Audi A8#D3|Audi A8 W12]], the world's first production car to have LED DRLs,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/2005-Audi-A8-Overview-c319|title=2005 Audi A8 - Overview |work=CarGurus|access-date=14 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/5753C7B50C3435D6CA257053001CB9E4 | title=Car Reviews - Audi - A8 - L W12 Quattro | access-date=12 January 2015 | archive-date=15 July 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715060140/http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/5753C7B50C3435D6CA257053001CB9E4 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cars.com/audi/a8/2005/expert-reviews|title=2005 Audi A8|first=Jim|last=Flammang|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715013345/http://www.cars.com/audi/a8/2005/expert-reviews|archive-date=15 July 2015 }}</ref> and have since spread throughout the entire model range. The LEDs are present on some Audi [[billboard]]s.

Since 2010, Audi has also offered the [[LED headlamp|LED technology in low- and high-beam headlights]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=2010 Audi R8 LED Headlights|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/features/2010-audi-r8-led-headlights|magazine=Car and Driver|access-date=28 January 2012}}</ref>

[[File:LED DaytimeRunningLights.jpg|thumb|The DRL in an [[Audi A4]] B8]]

===Multi Media Interface===
[[File:Audi TT 2014 (13558812864).jpg|thumb|left|Multi Media Interface-Menu on [[Audi virtual cockpit]], [[Audi TT Mk3]]]]
Starting with the 2003 [[Audi A8]], Audi has used a centralised control interface for its on-board [[infotainment]] systems, called [[Multi Media Interface]] (MMI). It is essentially a rotating control knob and 'segment' buttons—designed to control all in-car entertainment devices (radio, CD changer, iPod, TV tuner), satellite navigation, heating and ventilation, and other car controls with a screen.

The availability of MMI has gradually filtered down the Audi lineup, and following its introduction on the third generation A3 in 2011, MMI is now available across the entire range. It has been generally well received, as it requires less menu-surfing with its segment buttons around a central knob, along with 'main function' direct access buttons—with shortcuts to the radio or phone functions. The colour screen is mounted on the upright dashboard, and on the A4 (new), A5, A6, A8, and Q7, the controls are mounted horizontally.

=== Synthetic fuels ===
{{Main|Electrofuel}}
Audi has assisted with technology to produce [[synthetic diesel]] from water and [[carbon dioxide]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://qz.com/392138/audi-is-making-fuel-from-air-and-water/ |title=Audi is making fuel from air and water|author=Zach Wener-Fligner|work=Quartz|date=27 April 2015 |access-date=14 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | url= https://www.tu.no/artikler/norsk-selskap-kan-bli-forst-i-verden-til-a-produsere-audis-vidunderdiesel/348424 |title=Norsk selskap kan bli først i verden til å produsere Audis 'vidunderdiesel' | trans-title = Norwegian company could be the first in the world to manufacture Audi's "wonderdiesel" | language = no | first = Jannicke | last = Nilsen | journal = [[Teknisk Ukeblad]]  |date=10 June 2016 |access-date=24 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.tu.no/artikler/audi-lager-diesel-av-co2-og-vann-til-8-kroner-literen/222360 | title=Audi lager diesel av CO2 og vann til 8 kroner literen| date=28 April 2015}}</ref> Audi calls the synthetic diesel [[E-diesel]]. It is also working on synthetic gasoline (which it calls E-gasoline).<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/press-releases/audi-advances-e-fuels-technology-new-e-benzin-fuel-being-tested-9912| title = E-gasoline}}</ref>

=== Logistics ===
Audi uses scanning gloves for parts registration during assembly, and automatic robots to transfer cars from factory to rail cars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://automotivelogistics.media/home-page/audis-driverless-transport-system-recognised-industry-award|title=Audi's driverless transport system recognised with industry award|work=Automotive Logistics|date=21 February 2017|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225020427/http://automotivelogistics.media/home-page/audis-driverless-transport-system-recognised-industry-award|archive-date=25 February 2017 }}</ref>