Audi: Progress Through Technology

Vorsprung durch technik, as they say. That was the slogan that really pulled the German brand Audi into the limelight. Originally founded by Herr August Horch in 1899, he set up a new factory in 1909 under the name of Audiwerke. IN 1932 the company first established the famous four interlocking rings that symbolised the merger of four different companies to form Audi Union AG; in time this became the Audi brand we know today.

The 1960’s, the decade that heralded so many changes in how we lived, also saw the fruition of the modern Audi company when Auto Union was acquired by Volkswagen. The parent company fully re-established the Audi brand with the Audi F103 series in 1965. Subsequently, Volkswagen merged Auto Union with NSU in 1969, thus finally creating the brand as we know it today.

Quattro

One innovation that dates back forty years is Audi’s quattro drive system. Since the original quattro first made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 1980, the principle of four-wheel drive has become one of the cornerstones of the brand and, of course, of the World Rally Championship. The premium brand has produced almost 10.5 million cars with quattro drive systems. The prototypes Audi e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback also add electric torque vectoring.

Audi Today

Just this year Audi won seven out of fourteen rating categories in the quality rankings. The brand also took first place in the ratings for design and value for money. To help maintain that prestige achievement, owners should continue to follow a correct car servicing schedule through a garage that specialises in German cars.

Audi Technology

The more complex our environmental regulations and issues become, the greater the advancement of automotive technology. Audi are at the forefront of this, continually making targeted investments in technical development. Innovative technologies and enhanced efficiency future-proofing our mobility. “Vorsprung durch Technik” applies as much now as it did back in 1982 when the famous advertisement first appeared.

Today the German marque are continuing to develop both internal combustion and alternative drive systems and lightweight construction plus advances in lighting technology, connectivity and driver assistance systems up to and including auto-piloted driving.

The recently new and very striking Audi A5 for example, offers a choice of no less than three different headlights. The basic version uses almost all LED technology, with the only exception being the turn signals. Matrix LED headlights are another option. LEDs mounted behind a lens emit fully automatic high and low beams all controlled by a unit that works together with the onboard camera and can switch the individual LEDs on and off or dim them as necessary depending upon traffic and the road conditions.

For the future Audi is moving forward with its electric vehicle programme. As an example, the Audi e-tron and the Audi e-tron Sportback are, say the company, becoming more agile, sharper and more dynamic thanks to new prototype S models with no less than three electric motors, for extra boost and torque. Needless to say, these new cars will continue to feature quattro but now with electric torque vectoring for even better handling characteristics.

German Autocentre – Independent Audi Specialist

For Audi owners, it has to be worth protecting these fine vehicles with a proper car maintenance schedule. Why not consult your local specialist car servicing garage that specialises in German brands? Call German Autocentre on 0114 327 2027.

German Autocentre carry out all aspects of repair and maintenance of Audi cars. German Autocentre provide all services including MOT, servicing, cambelt change, timing chain replacement, clutch replacement, servicing, tyres and diagnostics.