Though different in powertrains, the high-performance RS models and fully electric e-tron range share their DNA.
Audi Sport-developed RS models are all defined by distinct designs that are matched by everyday functionality and sporting capabilities born from extensive development work at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife. In the Philippines, the RS lineup is currently composed of the Audi RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Coupe and Sportback, RS 6 Avant and RS Q3 Sportback, RS Q8 and the flagship R8 supercar, with several more scheduled to be added soon.
Meanwhile, the fully electric Audi e-tron range, recently launched in the country, proves electromobility can be as dynamic and fascinating. With the e-tron SUV, e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT, Audi Philippines is charging up its “FutureNow” clean energy program, promoting sustainability as the new luxury.
Despite the differences in their approach in acquiring dynamism and luxury, the racetrack-bred RS models and the zero-emission e-tron range share genetics — as exemplified by the RS e-tron GT. These five features show their strongest familial similarities:
#1. Permanent all-wheel drive
First released over 40 years ago (and with which Audi dominated World Rally and countless other motorsports series), the quattro all-wheel drive system has become synonymous with dynamic handling, supreme traction and leading technical expertise. Basically, the system delivers power to all four wheels, varying to certain degrees the amount each wheel or axle gets. Every RS model is fitted with quattro, and the technology is adapted in the Audi e-tron range via an electric all-wheel drive system with electric torque vectoring.
#2. Adaptive suspension
The RS adaptive suspension is tuned specifically to suit the performance requirements of Audi RS models. Various control mechanisms can alter the suspension’s characteristics and ride height via preset modes, and can also adjust to road conditions and even the driver’s preferences. This adjustability also applies to the adaptive suspension system of certain Audi e-tron models, which reacts instantly to driving situations to ensure a smooth ride. During more dynamic drives, it also reduces the movement of the car’s body, resulting in a controlled and stable ride.
The RS adaptive suspension is tuned specifically to suit the performance requirements of Audi RS models. Various control mechanisms can alter the suspension’s characteristics and ride height via preset modes, and can also adjust to road conditions and even the driver’s preferences. This adjustability also applies to the adaptive suspension system of certain Audi e-tron models, which reacts instantly to driving situations to ensure a smooth ride. During more dynamic drives, it also reduces the movement of the car’s body, resulting in a controlled and stable ride.
#3. Driving modes
Through the Audi drive select, certain RS models can be switched between three suspension and performance settings — comfort, auto and dynamic. Drivers can also configure their own settings then save these as the RS1 and RS2 modes. The Audi e-tron models are allowed this same flexibility, with their drivers able to specify how the fully electric vehicles’ motors, transmission and dampers respond to situations. Four driving modes are available in the Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT — comfort, efficiency, dynamic and individual.
Through the Audi drive select, certain RS models can be switched between three suspension and performance settings — comfort, auto and dynamic. Drivers can also configure their own settings then save these as the RS1 and RS2 modes. The Audi e-tron models are allowed this same flexibility, with their drivers able to specify how the fully electric vehicles’ motors, transmission and dampers respond to situations. Four driving modes are available in the Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT — comfort, efficiency, dynamic and individual.
#4. Intelligent lighting technologies
Both Audi RS and e-tron models boast of industry-leading lighting technologies. Available to the two product ranges are Audi’s LED matrix headlights, which intelligently change their pattern so that oncoming drivers are not blinded while continuing to illuminate the road ahead. Also offered in e-tron models are digital LED matrix headlights that illuminate in high resolution, and can even project signature light patterns on the ground or on a wall facing the vehicle. Taking it another level up are the Audi laser light, which is standard on the Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT. The system doubles the range of the high beam — it projects light up to a kilometer ahead — but will automatically reduce the distance if it detects other road users.
Both Audi RS and e-tron models boast of industry-leading lighting technologies. Available to the two product ranges are Audi’s LED matrix headlights, which intelligently change their pattern so that oncoming drivers are not blinded while continuing to illuminate the road ahead. Also offered in e-tron models are digital LED matrix headlights that illuminate in high resolution, and can even project signature light patterns on the ground or on a wall facing the vehicle. Taking it another level up are the Audi laser light, which is standard on the Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT. The system doubles the range of the high beam — it projects light up to a kilometer ahead — but will automatically reduce the distance if it detects other road users.
#5. Advanced infotainment and connectivity
Central to the cabins of the Audi RS and e-tron models are the MMI touch response operating concept and Audi virtual cockpit. The MMI touch response allows access to infotainment and convenience functions, including advanced parking assistance. The system, which displays functions in high-resolution graphics, has a menu structure and an interface identical to smartphones, making it easy and simple to use. MMI touch response also provides haptic feedback, and can be operated via voice command.
Central to the cabins of the Audi RS and e-tron models are the MMI touch response operating concept and Audi virtual cockpit. The MMI touch response allows access to infotainment and convenience functions, including advanced parking assistance. The system, which displays functions in high-resolution graphics, has a menu structure and an interface identical to smartphones, making it easy and simple to use. MMI touch response also provides haptic feedback, and can be operated via voice command.
Complementing this is the Audi virtual cockpit, another high-resolution touchscreen display serving as the vehicle’s fully digital instrument cluster. It shows a wide range of information, like speed, navigation maps and other driver assistance systems, in different views selectable through the multifunction steering wheel.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Feel free to comment or share your views. Comments that are derogatory and/or spam will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to moderate and/or remove comments.