Audi Facts

[mikeh]

In a recent article published in "Vorsprung" magazine Audi engineers answer Audi drivers' questions. Here is what was published: Q: Why does the A5/S5 Cabriolet feature a soft-top when many cars are offering hard-top convertibles? A: A soft-top roof was selected in order to best compliment the design of the A5 and to stay true to the tradition of great touring convertibles. other benefits that were taken into consideration were; outstanding road dynamics thanks to the lower weight of the soft top and the car's lower centre of gravity, the soft top's more compact package allows for more storage space and the innovative 50/50 split folding rear seats (a first in the Cabriolet market) as well as the top's ability to be opened and closed at road speeds up to 50 km/h. The multi-layer top delivers a top-up experience almost as serene as in the coupe's and the glass rear window ensures longevity. Q: How can the steering save fuel? A: The Audi A3 and Audi TT are fitted with an electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering system in which the power assist is generated not by a hydraulic system as in other modes but by an electric motor. Whereas a hydraulic system draws energy from the engine permanently through the connection to the crankshaft, the electric motor does no consume any energy when the car is driving in a straight line, thus saving on average roughly 0.25 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. Electromechanical steering also has other advantages in actively assisting the driver in keeping the car on course by correcting deviations caused by sidewind or sloped roads. Q: How does the Audi valvelift system work? A: The system is based on the idea that greater efficiency can be achieved by varying valve lift depending on engine load and revs. In engines with the Audi Valvelift System (AVS), the camshafts that control the valves have differently shaped sliding cam lobes that are moved at lightning speed to exactly the position required by means of electromagnetic actuators. The sophisticated mechanical system not only improves engine response but also provides higher output and torque while reducing fuel consumption.