2015 Audi A3

Audi announces the connected car future will arrive in 2014 with all-new Audi A3 sedan

• First-ever 4G LTE service launches with new Audi connect® system in A3 models due Spring 2014
• High-speed connectivity will support seven times faster downloads
• Next-generation Audi connect will feature picture navigation, social media and mobile app integration with access to more than 7,000 Web radio stations

Audi of America announced that the long-awaited connected car future will arrive in the Ú.S. next Spring with the arrival of the all-new, technology-rich Audi A3 sedan. (concept carz)

The 4G LTE capability designed into the A3 family of cars fulfills the core requirement of the connected car vision: A secure high-speed wireless pipeline to the Internet, which provides access to a wide range of data, now and in the future.

No other model in the world enables that kind of connectivity. In a press conference at the 2013 Connected Car Expo at the Los Angeles Auto Show today, Audi officials detailed the services and long-term opportunities enabled by this pioneering technology.

Initially, the new Audi connect 4G LTE service will allow enhancements, such as smoother renderings of the Google Earth™ and Google Street View features that come with Audi MMI navigation plus. The 4G LTE connectivity will also provide faster downloads and high-definition video streaming for up to eight devices used by passengers over the in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot.

'With the introduction of the new A3 family Audi is putting the most advanced technology into the compact luxury segment,' said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. 'Offering drivers a 4G LTE connection will provide the fastest in-vehicle connection available and significantly enhance the infotainment experience.'

The new A3 family will feature the most advanced version of Audi connect including picture navigation, read-aloud news headlines, Facebook and Twitter alerts; access to more than 7,000 Web radio stations; personalized RSS news feeds, and more.

Longer term, Audi expects to use the broadband wireless data connection to access vast amounts of Big Data services and, potentially, communicate with smart infrastructure, parking garages and other connected cars.

Audi was the first automaker to embrace wireless technology and quickly implement 3G-plus technology across most of its model lineup. Now, with 4G LTE quickly becoming the standard for smartphones and other advanced mobile devices, this technology is the natural progression for the next-generation of Audi connect. Audi plans to roll out 4G LTE capability across its entire lineup as new or refreshed models come to the market.

The new Audi connect 4G LTE service will be powered by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.'s advanced, second generation LTE chipset, the Qualcomm® Gobi™ MDM 9215. The embedded 4G LTE solution is the same technology found in many of today's leading smartphones and tablets



Audi expects to make an announcement in the near future about its Ú.S. wireless carrier partner for the 4G LTE service in the A3 family of models.

Audi also intends to add further customer conveniences for Audi connect subscribers with services, such as the ability to add the A3 4G LTE service to an existing smart device data plan. Audi also expects to offer many Audi connect customers greater choice on their wireless data carrier in the future.

Source - Audi

Audi introduces the technologically advanced 2015 Audi A3 and S3 sedans, A3 Cabriolet and A3 Sportback e-tron® PHEV

• This new family of cars from Audi brings a new level of standard features, craftsmanship and attention to detail to the fast growing entry premium market
• The new A3 line-up from Audi will be rolled out over the next 18 months
• First-ever 4G LTE connectivity introduced with the next generation Audi connect® system in the all-new A3
Audi of America officially announced plans today for the arrival of an entirely new family of premium compact cars, including three body styles, five new unique engines and seven variants.




'We aren't just bringing one new car to market, we're launching an entire new family of cars that will add to our momentum in the Ú.S. marketplace,' said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. 'This A3 line-up redefines the standards of the entry premium market in terms of technology, craftsmanship and performance.'

The A3 sedan will bring to the entry premium market new innovative technologies and the detailed craftsmanship found in larger flagship Audi sedans.



Audi of America also confirmed today that it will be adding to the all-new A3 family by offering the A3 Sportback with a gasoline electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model for the first time in the Ú.S. market. Audi first revealed the A3 Sportback e-tron at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. This vehicle demonstrates the production intent of e-tron using parallel plug-in hybrid technology, a practical first step towards electrified driving which helps mitigate the range anxiety concerns associated with most full battery electric vehicles.

Technology
The Audi A family breaks the boundaries and raises the bar as to what is expected out of entry-level luxury vehicles. The A3 marks the first time that an A-segment vehicle will offer MMI® technology, Audi drive select, 4G LTE connectivity and Bang & Olufsen® audio.

In addition to the standard technologies, the Audi A3 line-up will feature new, segment first technologies. One key example is the implementation of the new NVIDIA graphics processing unit (GPÚ). The NVIDIA GPÚ generates complex three-dimensional images used in all online, voice control, media navigation and telephone functions. Fundamentally, the Tegra® graphics processor powers tablets and other mobile devices and is also used in 3D gaming and various medical applications.

Performance
The A3 model line will offer impressive power and groundbreaking efficiency with five different engine variants including the 170 horsepower 1.8 TFSI®, 220 horsepower 2.0 TFSI, 150 horsepower 2.0 TDI® clean diesel, and an impressive 290* horsepower in the 2.0 TFSI powered S3. The 1.4 TFSI gasoline engine powering the parallel hybrid A3 sportback e-tron features a combined output of 201 hp and 258 lb ft of torque when the 100 hp e-motor is also engaged.

All engines are mated to the standard 6-speed S tronic® transmission which provides the driver immense shifting flexibility and driving pleasure with smooth, dynamic acceleration and virtually no interruption to the power flow.

The A3 line-up for the first time will now come with an available Audi drive select system. Audi drive select allows the driver to adjust throttle response, shift points, and the electromechanical steering effort. Similar to other Audi models, Audi drive select has four settings that include Auto, Dynamic, Comfort and Individual.

Chassis
The new platform allows the front wheels to move forward by roughly 1.5 inches (compared to the previous generation A3) to provide well-balanced proportions, supplemented by optimized interior space utilization, and an improved crash structure.

The front suspension is a MacPherson strut design with A-arms and aluminum pivot bearings. It is joined to an aluminum subframe. The electromechanically assisted steering system operates sensitively and efficiently together with various assistance systems, while reducing mechanical drag for greater efficiency. In the four-link rear suspension for the gasoline models, which utilizes a steel crossmember, the springs and shock absorbers are mounted separately.

The electronic stability control (ESC) also includes an electronic differential lock. When driving through curves, it can brake the inside front wheel very slightly to help minimize understeer and improve traction.

Exterior
The exterior of the A3 sedan has been completely redesigned and specifically tailored to meet the sedan preferences of the American market. The Audi A3 stretches 175.5 inches in length and has a 103.4 inch wheelbase. Combined with its 70 inch width and 55.7 inch height, its proportions are compact but very sporty and nearly resemble the original Audi A4 from 1994.

The signature Singleframe® grille and available full-LED headlights, another first for the A-segment, are some of the notable design changes included in the all-new Audi A3 sedan. (concept carz)

The A3 Cabriolet will be offered for the first time in the Ú.S. next year and will come with a soft cloth top that is stretched over a lightweight kinematic mechanism made of magnesium-steel, and will complement the car's design perfectly.
At the press of a button, the top opens or closes electro-hydraulically in less than 18 seconds, even while driving up to 31 mph. In the opened state, the top – folded into three layers – rests in a tray that hardly affects luggage capacity, which is 10.14 cubic ft.

A fully automatic acoustic top with a glass rear window and thick inner foam layer is standard. An active rollover protection system helps protect the occupants in case of a rollover accident. It consists of two spring-loaded plates that are recessed into the body. In case of a rollover or a frontal collision, magnetic actuators open the mechanical lock. Within just a few milliseconds, the plates spring upward in order to help protect occupants, together with the windshield frame.

The S3 adds specific details that underscore the high-performance character of the Audi S3 Sedan. The S-specific Singleframe grille has aluminum-look, double horizontal bars. A chrome frame surrounds the grille; the insert is finished in matte platinum gray. Aluminum-look double ribs and honeycomb inserts fill the air inlets in the bumper, which are framed with strongly flared edges. Audi offers optional LED headlights for excellent illumination of the road and an unmistakable look.

Alu-optic exterior mirror housings and the sill strips catch the eye on the flanks of the four-door sedan. (concept carz) The rear bumper has been redesigned, and a subtle spoiler lip provides an aesthetic design feature at the top of the trunk lid. The rear lights predominantly employ LED technology. The platinum gray diffuser has an aluminum-look double bar and four ribs. It encloses the exhaust system's four oval tailpipes with their chrome tips. Among the twelve paint finishes are the exclusive Panther black and Sepang blue. S3 badges adorn the rear and the front.

Interior
The athletic exterior of the A3 extends inside, where Audi maintains its leading role in automotive interior design and craftsmanship. The defining element is the 'wraparound' dash design, which incorporates an innovative three-dimensional inlay concept surrounding the driver and front passenger. The available LED interior lighting package highlights the immense craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every Audi A3 interior.

This is accomplished by bathing the interior in a cool white LED light surrounding the center console, door panels, cupholders, and even the Bang & Olufsen Sound System when so equipped.

The A3 delivers the same prestige and high-quality materials found in Audi's flagship sedan, the A8. The MMI operating system has an electronically extending screen, its terminal housed in the console of the center dashboard. It features a 7-inch high resolution display screen with magnesium backing that is less than ½ inch thick. To further enhance the driving experience, the new MMI controls are conveniently positioned behind the gear shift. They now offer a touch pad incorporated into the rotary MMI control wheel, which offers an intuitively and simple operation typical of the brand with the four rings. Now with the optional 705 watt 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen Sound System, all occupants in the A3 can enjoy the best in acoustics.

The S3 adds further character to the interior by offering instrument dials that are in an S-specific dark gray metallic finish; the numbers and needles are white. The tachometer features a three-dimensional S3 logo and a boost pressure indicator. The power-retractable monitor powers up to display a special S3 screen.

A leather-covered, multifunction sport steering wheel with the rim flattened at the bottom and S3 badging, standard shift paddles with aluminum details are also standard on the S3 sedan. (concept carz) Other S-specific features are the pedals and footrest of brushed stainless steel as well as the red rings on the start-stop button and on the specially designed gear selector lever. The aluminum door sill trims with S3 badging round out the high-quality and exclusive package. The front sport seats help provide optimum hold and support. The seat cushions can be extended, and S3 logos are embossed in the backrests.

Driver Assistance
The Audi A3 line-up will offer several advanced technology features which are new to the entry luxury segment, including the standard Audi pre sense basic system which helps detect when an emergency maneuver is being made and prepares the vehicle and its occupant restraint systems in advance of a possible collision. The Audi A3 also offers an optional advanced technology package, which includes Audi active lane assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go.

Audi connect®
The modular infotainment platform in the Audi A3 line-up also brings several upgrades to the industry leading Audi connect® service.

Audi's connected vehicle strategy targets features and services that enhance the experience for Audi drivers and their passengers by providing the benefits of access to information and content, when needed, through interfaces designed for the in-vehicle environment.

The new A3 family will feature the most advanced version of Audi connect including read aloud Facebook® and Twitter® alerts, access to more than 7,000 Internet broadcast stations, RSS news feeds and more. The MMI navigation plus uses LTE to deliver the tailored services of Audi connect to the driver – from navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View to Audi and online traffic information. There are over a dozen Audi connect services, including a text-to-speech function for e-mail and a dictation function for text messages (SMS). And the range of services is expanding rapidly. An accompanying mobile app will allow advanced functionality between the MMI system and smartphones.

Úsing the existing Wi-Fi connectivity for up to 8 devices, passengers will be able to view high-definition videos and make video conference calls from the vehicle. Adding to the existing Google Earth™ 3D satellite imagery and intelligent POI search with Google Voice™ Local Search, the Audi A3 introduces a new Picture Navigation service. Here the driver can save photos of destinations, which are linked to geo-navigation data (GPS), in the 'photo box' of MMI Navigation plus. These may be the driver's own photos or scenes from Google Maps Street View. Photos can be imported via an SD card or a myAudi account.

A new app integration interface over Wi-Fi for music streaming and other connected device apps, voice-controlled social media features, and a completely redesigned user MMI interface allows drivers and passengers to continue to enjoy a connected lifestyle while in the vehicle without handling devices.

Source - Audi