My first QDM was in 2008, and I haven’t missed one since. This year was my daughter’s first QDM. At only nine weeks old, she is by far the youngest attendee to date. In total, she rode 430 miles in my S4 Avant, and 60 miles in a 2013 S6 loaned to us by Audi of America. She only complained once while riding in the car: when we came to a stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but more on that later.

This year, we had a record-breaking 76 cars and 115 attendees from 14 states! In total, our group drove somewhere in the neighborhood of 20,500 miles to reach Asheville, and just as many miles to return. During those three short days, we drove about 21,000 miles on a total of eight drive options. Over the past few years, our raffle has grown thanks to the generosity of our great sponsors. Last year, we called it “epic”, and it was; we even got a few complaints that the drawings went on too long because we had so many prizes! So what would you call something that is twice as big as “epic”? We never did figure that out, but we did decide to hold drawings each night. We also held a silent auction for several large items and even gave away two big boxes worth of items from Audi Collection any time a group was assembled. Our sponsors for the event include Jim Ellis Audi, APR, Detailers Domain, AMMO Detailing, 129 Euro, Butler Tire, The Dent Specialist, Dents & Dings, Achtuning, Audi Collection, Serenberry Vineyards, The Smoking Tire, H&R and Bilstein. Audi of America was also kind enough to loan us an S6, S7 and S8 for the weekend, and our friends at APR brought their highly modified TTRS, plus an RS5 and S8.

The Cars

Like every past QDM, our group of cars was as diverse as our group of attendees. While Audis were certainly the main attraction, we also had a collection of 4 Porsches, including a beautiful 914, two VWs and a Lotus. The Audi populous ranged from a beautiful 1983 urQuattro to a 2013 Q5. All five generations of S4s were in attendance, as were multiples of every R and RS model available in the US. And as always, there was no shortage of TTs. The Avants didn’t represent as well as past years, but I digress…

The Happenings

Over the course of the weekend, we offered eight official drives: one Thursday, four to choose from on Friday and three on Saturday. Each drive had a different destination and pace. Because each of the drives were so unique, we all had different stories to share at the end of the weekend. The weather was overcast and unusually cool, but the rain held off until Sunday. On several of our drives, we encountered thick fog once we passed above 3500′ altitude. Our rear fog lights were put to good use for sure.

On Thursday, attendees arrived throughout the day, so our only drive was at dinner time. Our rather large group rolled out right around rush hour. Thankfully Asheville’s rush hour was nothing like Atlanta’s, so we were on the Blue Ridge Parkway in no time. We headed west to Pisgah Inn, passing through a half-dozen tunnels along the way. Rather than taking in an amazing sunset, we found ourselves dining among the clouds. Dinner was concluded with our first raffle of the weekend, with over a dozen prizes given away. Before leaving, I snapped a quick panorama shot of our cars with only their running lights on. The drive down was even foggier than going up, but remained clear at lower altitudes. Remember my daughter complaining on the Blue Ridge Parkway? Well… As tail of the group, I was able to come to a stop inside one of the longer tunnels. I had the S6′s 4-liter twin turbo V8 at my disposal, and I wanted to hear it. Apparently, so did she. I rolled down the driver’s window and accelerated, instantly returning her to the status quo.

Friday was our longest day for drives. We led two groups westward to drive The Tail of the Dragon. The first group left early in the morning and also included a spirited drive on Foothills Parkway, located at the ‘top’ of The Dragon. The second group left about an hour later. Both groups reported minimal traffic on The Dragon, a lucky outcome considering how popular this weekend for several other car clubs. With 318 curves in 11 miles, who could blame them?

Equally popular was our Wayah Road drive. This drive had it all! Challenging twists, long sweeping curves, breathtaking views, exhaust-note-enhancing tunnels and fabulous shopping – could you ask for more in a day? The group made an extended stop in Highlands, NC for a lunch break and to stretch their legs exploring the town’s great shopping opportunities before heading to Wayah Road’s 27 miles of challenging curves and minimal traffic. Despite heavy fog during the early morning portion, this drive definitely delivered plenty of smiles per mile.

Our final Friday drive option was our Waterfall drive. This popular scenic drive was introduced last year and was very well received. The drive included some scenic twisty mountain driving, a couple of short hikes, and lunch. The first stop was Pearson’s Falls in Saluda, NC, a gorgeous 90-foot waterfall, accessed by an easy 1/3 mile hike. Next stop was High Falls in Dupont State Forest. (Hunger Games was filmed in portions of Dupont Stae Forest). After a ½ mile hike the group reached High Falls, a 150-foot cascade. After High Falls, the group stopped in Brevard at Hawg Wild BBQ for lunch. From there it was a short drive into Pisgah National Forest to Looking Glass Falls, the final stop for the day. This 60-foot tall waterfall was the easiest to view because it is right next to the highway, and can be best seen by climbing down a series of steps to the base of the falls.

The groups returned just in time for the evening’s cookout at our headquarters hotel. We grilled up burgers and hot dogs for everyone, along with fixins’, sides and drinks. By this time, nearly all of the weekend’s group had arrived and were sharing stories and making new friends. I didn’t quite buy enough food for the group of 65 plus, and we had to send someone back to the store for more meat. In my defense, who sends a man to the store by himself to buy that much food? Once everyone got their fill, we held another raffle. The prizes were bigger, better and more abundant than the previous night’s. After cleaning up and tearing down, several groups continued socializing in the parking lot and hotel lobby for several more hours.

Nonetheless, my small group had a great drive. Meanwhile, the two other groups had a great time tackling twisty roads, as one group headed south into Apple Valley, and the other north to Hot Springs.

The Apple Valley drive was lead by an Asheville native who knew all the best roads in his back yard. With sweeping curves and lots of elevation change, this drive was a real treat. While the some of the views were a bit inhibited by fog, everyone returned happy. At the end of the drive, the group was taken to Highland Brewing Company (just down the street from the headquarters hotel) for a tasting of the some of the local brews.

Hot Springs is located at the confluence of the French Broad River and Spring Creek. A natural hot spring is also located here, the only such spring known in North Carolina and in much of the southeastern United States. A resort destination for almost 200 years, it has long been renowned for its healing mineral springs and scenic mountain setting.  The Hot Springs drive made a figure-8 like route on some amazing curvy roads leading to and from the springs. The group was by far the biggest of the day, but ended up splitting into two groups, making the drive a bit smoother.

To conclude the event, we held a banquet at Tressa’s Jazz and Blues club in downtown Asheville. Though the club is only 15 years old, the building is a historic landmark. Our group filled up both downstairs and upstairs dining areas, as we gathered again at the end of a day of great driving. After dinner, we all gathered downstairs for our final gathering. We thanked our sponsors and event volunteers and gave out the Officer Friendly award to one individual, who will remain nameless, who zipped away from his group on Friday to try and get back to Asheville a bit early and got caught by a state trooper. We closed the silent auction and held the final raffle of the weekend, where in addition to general raffle prizes, we held a kids raffle and four grand prize raffles. All of the kids in attendance won a great prize, and left with a smile. Our grand prizes included: two interior/exterior detailing kits, a fully-loaded APR ECU upgrade, and an amazing motorsports memorabilia package. Afterward, a few brave souls went on a haunted pub crawl at the local brewpubs, while the rest of us returned to the hotel for a few more hours of socializing.

This unforgettable event wouldn’t have been possible without a great group of people in attendance. I’m already counting the days until QDM 2014, and more so for the people than the driving. As five-time QDM attendee Jim Schade put it: “The first year, we came for the roads. Every year since, we come for the people.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.

In addition to our diverse, fun loving group, there’s a team of dedicated volunteers who make this happen. This year, Philip Monk, Ted Dannemiller, Deborah Kim (who you may remember from last year’s “Proposal” story) and myself headed up the planning team, and were also group leaders. We also received invaluable help from Asheville native, and group leader, Jay Maveety, group leaders Bud Dannemiller and Paul Gazella, swag master Carl Criswell, treasurer Phil Dinwiddie, Susan Monk, Katie King, James Walsh, Dirk Loeffler, David Kim and Gregg Brodka.

Want to learn more about Quattro de Mayo 2014? First, go ahead and mark off May 1st – 4th on your calendar, then check out www.quattrodemayo.com this fall as we announce location details.

The Audi R18 e-tron quattro is causing a sensation on its first racing commitment in the United States. In qualifying for the 12-hour race at Sebring (Florida) both hybrid race cars from Audi Sport Team Joest clearly beat the previous qualifying track record.

In the cockpits of the two Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars, Marcel Fassler (CH) and Allan McNish (GB) fought a close duel for the top spot on the grid in the 15-minute qualifying session on Friday afternoon. In the end, the Swiss with a razor-thin advantage of 0.009 seconds prevailed against his Scottish team-mate. The two-time Le Mans winner and current World Endurance Champion took his first pole position in a Le Mans prototype plus his first one as an Audi factory driver.

Fassler on his fourth flying lap managed setting a time of 1m 43.886s. The Audi racer thus beat the fastest time of the conventionally powered Audi R18 TDI from last year by almost two seconds – as well as the previous qualifying track record set by Marco Werner in 2007 in the Audi R10 TDI (1m 44.974s).

At the – provisionally – last last run of an LMP1 sports car at Sebring, Fassler is sharing the cockpit of a 2012-specification R18 with Oliver Jarvis (GB) and Beno it Treluyer (F). Lucas di Grassi (BR), Tom Kristensen (DK) and Allan McNish (GB) are driving the 2013-specification Audi R18 e-tron quattro that is celebrating its racing debut in Florida and completed initial test laps in its most current configuration on Monday. An accident by Allan McNish in Thursday morning’s free practice cost valuable track time.

For Audi, this marks the tenth pole position in total at 14 events at Sebring. The brand with the four rings has so far won the U.S. endurance classic an equal number of times. In turn 1, Audi is exhibiting four of its Sebring-winning cars this weekend. In addition to the Audi factory drivers who are active at Sebring, four Sebring winners – Frank Biela (D), Dindo Capello (I), Emanuele Pirro (I) and Marco Werner (D) – are on location.

The 61st running of the 12-hour race at Sebring will start on Saturday at 10:30, local time (15:30 CET).

Audi Motorsport Quotes after qualifying

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “Qualifying was a thrilling event because both of our cars were always very close together. The result is a very good starting base for the race. The race though will show us though that the gaps won’t remain as comfortable. The two positions on the front row are a nice reward for the commitment of the whole squad and perfect motivation as well.”

Ralf Juttner (Technical Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “Qualifying yet again showed what we’ve been seeing here the whole time. Whenever our two cars are out on track together we’re experiencing a fight in the range of hundredths. That’s nice and promises a thrilling race. Still, we’ve got to watch out for the competition because the situation can become a lot closer on Saturday. We’ll need a few hours before knowing how the relative power in the field will pan out then.”

Marcel Fassler (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “It was a really nice feeling to climb out of the car and see my name at the very top of the time monitor. It was another incredibly close duel between Allan (McNish) and me – this time I came out on top in the end. Aside from a thrilling qualifying session, this is obviously a perfect starting base for the race on Saturday.”

Oliver Jarvis (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “I love motorsport in the USA. I already had a great debut at Daytona and with the pole position of our car here I’m experiencing the next highlight right away. But we’ve still got a lot of work to do. There’s so much that can happen in a 12-hour race – not only with respect to our sister car but also regarding the rest of the competition.”

Beno it Treluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “Simply cool! I like this track and the unique atmosphere here at Sebring. Marcel (Fassler), Oliver (Jarvis) and I simply feel comfortable as a team of three – in the car just like in the pits and off the track. It was fun to watch Marcel in qualifying. He gave everything and then got out of the car with a big grin.”

Lucas di Grassi (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “This is my first ever race weekend in the USA. The whole week has been a great experience and now I’m looking forward to the race. For the time being, this will be Audi’s last run here at Sebring and that makes it a very special event. I’ll be giving my best and am happy to have two team-mates in Allan (McNish) and Tom (Kristensen) who have already made history with Audi.”

Tom Kristensen (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “I’ve got to admit that I feel a bit of sadness thinking about all the years and the races we experienced here at Sebring. This weekend we’ll be saying goodbye for the moment. There’s a great race ahead of us with strong competition, above all of course our sister car. We’re lacking a bit of driving time from Thursday plus I only arrived at Sebring at the last moment – still, I’m confident that we’ve got a good chance of winning here on Audi’s last run.”

Allan McNish (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “What a qualifying session! Although we expected it to turn into a duel between the two Audi cars we wouldn’t have thought that the outcome would be this close. The conditions on the track have continuously improved since yesterday so that I was able to really push.”

The starting grid at Sebring

1 Fassler/Jarvis/Treluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) 1m 43.886s
2 di Grassi/Kristensen/McNish (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) 1m 43.895s
3 Prost/Heidfeld/Jani (Lola-Toyota) 1m 46.456s
4 Graf/Luhr/Dumas (HPD-Honda) 1m 46.478s
5 Beche/Cheng/Belicchi (Lola-Toyota) 1m 46.689s
6 Dyson/Smith/Leitzinger (Lola-Mazda) 1m 48.407s
7 Tucker/Franchitti/Briscoe (HPD-Honda) 1m 51.159s
8 Tucker/Hunter-Reay/Pagenaud (HPD-Honda) 1m 51.271s
9 Kimber-Smith/Zugel/Lux (Zytek) 1m 51.366s
10 Sharp/Cosmo/Brabham (HPD-Honda) 1m 52.703s

All photos: © 2013 Darren Pierson / DPerceptions | Buy prints

- oneighturbo

Audi has established powerful driver pairings for its commitment in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). The respective entries were confirmed today by the Selection Committee of the ACO and the FIA. Three Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars will be competing at the Spa 6 Hours and the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2013. At each of the six other WEC rounds, Audi will be fielding two hybrid sports cars.

Drivers Marcel Fassler (CH), Andre Lotterer (D) and Benoit Treluyer (F) are jointly tackling the title defense. The trio has been racing together for Audi since 2010 and celebrated the WEC drivers’ title and victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours last year, their biggest successes so far. Eight-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen (DK) and Allan McNish (GB), who has won at La Sarthe twice, are forming a team with Loic Duval in 2013 for the first time. The Frenchman made his debut with Audi in 2012 and won the Spa 6 Hours. The two driver teams will be competing at all eight WEC rounds.

At the Spa 6 Hours and the Le Mans 24 Hours, Audi is relying on an additional driver line-up. The Brazilian Lucas di Grassi, who debuted with Audi in the WEC at his home round at São Paulo last year and immediately qualified on the front row, will be driving a third R18 e-tron quattro. He is sharing the cockpit this season with the Spaniard Marc Gene, last year’s winner of the Spa 6 Hours. Oliver Jarvis is the third driver in this combination. In the Audi R8 GRAND-AM, the Briton won the GT class at the Daytona 24 Hours a week ago.

“With these three combinations we’ve put together an international team that we expect a lot of,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Our younger drivers will have the chance to establish themselves alongside the experienced Audi drivers who have really been pleasing us with their top results in all these years. With that, we’re in a very good position in terms of drivers for the Le Mans 24 Hours as well as for the other WEC races.”

2013 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) driver combinations

Spa 6 Hours and Le Mans 24 Hours

Marcel Fassler / Andre Lotterer / Benoit Treluyer
Loic Duval / Tom Kristensen / Allan McNish
Marc Gene / Lucas di Grassi / Oliver Jarvis

All other 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship races (WEC)

Marcel Fassler / Andre Lotterer / Benoit Treluyer
Loic Duval / Tom Kristensen / Allan McNish

- oneighturbo

Not only is APR Motorsport unveiling a new-look testing livery for this weekend’s Roar Before the 24, but the team is proud to announce its driver lineup for the 51st Rolex 24 at Daytona. Americans Matt Bell and Alex Figge will join Canadians John Farano and Dave Lacey in the no. 51 APR Audi R8.

Additionally, APR Motorsport driver Ian Baas will compete in the Rolex 24 in the factory-supported no. 52 APR Audi R8, joining Marc Basseng, Frank Stippler, and Rene Rast.

Leading the team and competing in his fourth Rolex 24 at Daytona, Matt Bell, from Los Altos, California, will join APR Motorsport for the first time. A veteran in Daytona Prototypes and GT cars, Bell has also scored several wins in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to race with APR, after racing against them for so many seasons,” said Bell. “My first year in GRAND-AM was also their first year, so since day one they’ve been sort of the enemy. But they wouldn’t be if they weren’t doing things right so you respect them for what they’ve been able to do. I also work for the Audi Sportscar Center at Sonoma Raceway so the combination is pretty cool. We have a strong driver lineup and I’m excited to see how our test goes this weekend.”

John Farano, from Toronto, Ontario, is the reigning Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge GS-class champion and Rookie of the Year and will be taking part in his third Rolex 24 at Daytona. Farano’s racing history includes the Grand-Am Ferrari Challenge series, Rolex Daytona Prototypes and GT class, as well as the Canadian Tire NASCAR Series. Farano will be busy during the Rolex 24 weekend, as he will also drive in the Ferrari Challenge races as well as the CTSCC season opener with co-driver David Empringham.

“I am very excited to be driving with APR alongside Alex, Dave, and Matt,” said Farano. “I can’t wait to be on track amongst this strong driver lineup and the rest of the APR team. It is my hope that this will be the beginning of a solid relationship between Tower Events and Grandstand Seating and APR Motorsport that will allow this association to continue to race together for years to come.”

Currently competing in the World Challenge GT class, Alex Figge, from Denver, Colorado, is a veteran of GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, American Le Mans, and ChampCar competition. He has scored numerous podiums and wins in his sports car career, and looks to pick up where he left off after competing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2008.

“I am extremely excited to be back at the Rolex 24,” said Figge. “I last did the race in 2008 and I’ve been dying to do it again. Obviously in a 24 hour race you’ve got to have reliability and spot-on teamwork. Knowing that, I couldn’t be more positive about being with APR and Audi. I know from reputation and seeing with my own eyes that APR is a first class organization and I can’t wait to get started with them. The test can’t come soon enough.”

Lacey, from Toronto, Ontario, brings 20 seasons of GT-class racing to APR Motorsport. Twice a podium finisher at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Lacey is also an Audi enthusiast – owning both an S5 as well as an R8 V10 – and is understandably excited about the APR relationship.

“I’ve known John Farano as a fellow Canadian and a competitor for a number of years, so I’m thrilled to join APR, Matt, Alex and John in what I think will be a very strong entry for the Rolex 24 at Daytona,” said Lacey. “Clearly APR has learned a great deal about the R8 LMS platform over the last season and I believe that the car will be very competitive not only for the 24 Hours, but for the entire season.”

The four drivers will join APR for the first time in this weekend’s Roar Before the 24 at Daytona International Speedway.

As the fourth member of the factory-supported no. 52 APR Audi R8, Baas, from Indianapolis, Indiana, is thrilled to rejoin APR for the Rolex 24 at Daytona. A former GT-class winner at the race, Baas also drove the no. 51 Audi R8 at both the Rolex 24 and Sahlen’s Six Hours at the Glen last season.

“Being asked to be a part of the Rolex program is an honor and I’m really excited to drive with Marc, Frank, and Rene,” said Baas. “APR has learned so much in the past year about the R8 and I’m really excited to put all of that experience to use at this year’s Rolex 24. After last year’s two races in the car, I have some unfinished business.”

The Roar Before the 24 begins this Friday, with practice sessions scheduled throughout Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

- oneighturbo

Audi provides a glimpse of the future shape of design, along with automotive and drive concepts, through its Audi crosslane coupe concept car. This vehicle is an entirely new fusion of technology, engineering and design, and provides pointers to the design language of Audi’s future Q models.

With a Multimaterial Space Frame, the vehicle concept strikes out along entirely new paths with regard to weight, costs and energy usage over its lifecycle, and is an evolutionary stage of Audi ultra – the lightweight construction principle from Audi.
An innovative and efficient plug-in hybrid drive based on a purpose-designed

1.5-liter three-cylinder TFSI and two electric motors redefines the benchmark, with fuel consumption of only 1.1 liters per 100 km (213.81 US mpg) and CO2 emissions of just 26 grams per km (41.84 grams per mile).

The result is a cosmopolitan vehicle that will appeal to young, sporty customers in particular thanks to its removable roof and the customizable services available under the Audi connect concept.

Pioneering concept: the Multimaterial Space Frame

The Multimaterial Space Frame of the compact Audi crosslane coupe is comprised of three materials – aluminum, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP). The concept car has an unladen weight of about 1,390 kg (3,064.43 lb), including the large lithium-ion battery.

The aluminum profiles form a continuous, rigid structure around the occupant cell. Beams beneath the front lid join the single-frame grille, which performs a supporting function and is also made from aluminum, with the occupant cell.

The front and rear crash structures are made from CFRP and the supporting CFRP structures inside the occupant cell include the inner sills, the center tunnel, the bulkhead, and the cross-members in the floor. Surface GFRP components with partial CFRP reinforcements complete the body concept.

Audi is convinced that the highly integrated Multimaterial Space Frame is the right path to the future. Its weight is of the same magnitude as a monolithic body of CFRP. It also offers convincing advantages in terms of costs to the customer and its energy usage in a life cycle assessment.

Innovative: dual-mode hybrid concept

The plug-in hybrid drive of the Audi crosslane coupe, which is described as a dual-mode hybrid, is as innovative as it is efficient. It comprises a combustion engine, two electric motors and a single-stage transmission; its system power is 130 kW (177 hp). The Audi crosslane coupe sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.6 seconds, and in pure electric mode takes 9.8 seconds. The car’s top speed is 182 km/h (113.09 mph). Its average fuel consumption is a mere 1.1 liters per 100 km (213.81 US mpg) and it emits 26 grams per km (41.84 grams per mile) of CO2. The lithium-ion battery has an output of 17.4 kWh, sufficient for an operating range of around 86 km (53.44 miles) in the electric mode.

The combustion engine is a purpose-developed three-cylinder TFSI with a displacement of 1.5 liters, delivering an output of 95 kW (130 hp) and 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque. The three-cylinder engine is coupled to an electric motor (EM 1), which acts primarily as a starter and an alternator. It develops an output of 50 kW (68 hp) and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft) of torque. Electrical traction is provided by the second electric motor (EM 2) developing 85 kW (116 hp) and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque. The transmission makes it possible to connect the combustion engine complete with alternator to the remainder of the drivetrain by means of a claw clutch.

The dual-mode hybrid concept enables different operating modes. From 0 up to 55 km/h (34.18 mph), drive power is supplied solely by the EM 2, which draws the energy it needs primarily from the battery. In serial mode, the combustion engine and the alternator (EM 1) produce electrical energy to support, relieve or substitute the battery should it be discharged.

The electric mode is possible up to 130 km/h (80.78 mph). Starting at about 55 km/h (34.18 mph) the drive system allows the TFSI engine together with the alternator to couple to the drivetrain – in this hybrid mode, the drive sources combine to optimize both efficiency and performance. Above 130 km/h (80.78 mph), the three-cylinder engine becomes the main drive source but the EM 1 can support it if required.

The driver of the Audi crosslane coupe can choose between the “cruise” and “race” settings. The “cruise” mode prioritizes electric driving. The driver does not notice either gear changes or the power source kicking in. When the TFSI is running, its engine speed is always adapted to the road speed – without a “rubber-band” effect. The high efficiency of the transmission makes the dual-mode hybrid drive especially efficient in urban traffic.

Forward-looking: exterior design

The 2+2-seater Audi crosslane coupe is 4.21 meters long (13.81 ft), 1.88 meters wide (6.17 ft) and 1.51 meters high (4.95 ft), with a wheelbase of 2.56 meters (8.40 ft). Its body design comes across as powerful and striking, and it already provides a foretaste of the design language of a future generation of Audi Q models.

The single-frame grille, which is subdivided into several segments by struts, dominates the front end. Its prominent frame is integrated into the Multimaterial Space Frame as a supporting element. This solution symbolizes the philosophy behind the Audi crosslane coupe: a totally new fusion of basic concept, technology and design.

The trapezoidal headlights use Audi Matrix LED headlight technology. Small, individually controllable light-emitting diodes generate all lighting functions, and micro-reflectors enable their precise positioning. The bumper incorporates large, mainly smooth-surfaced air intakes. Through two narrow openings in the front lid it is possible to glimpse the upper aluminum members of the Multimaterial Space Frame.

Along the sides, the horizontal edges are the dominant feature above the wheels. The low greenhouse tapers into a very flat C-post, emphasizing the coupe-like character of the Audi crosslane coupe. The doors extend a long way down thanks to the space frame design, which allows very low sills. The doors open to reveal the aluminum structures of the Multimaterial Space Frame.

The tail lights are a variation on the motif of the headlights; the trunk lid seam divides them each into two segments. The bumper, the lower section of which is made from CFRP, incorporates an aluminum diffuser that extends quite some way up. The roof element comprises two CFRP shells and weighs slightly less than ten kilograms (22.05 lb). The driver and front passenger can unlatch it by an electric drive, remove it from the body structure and fit it over the trunk.

Moveable: trunk

The trunk forms a separate pan within the body structure; it is attached to the backs of the rear seats, which are separate from the seat cushions. At the press of a button, the entire unit travels about 40 cm (15.75 in) forward electrically; this is how the latched roof reaches its end position, in which it protects the luggage. At the same time, the level surface under the trunk becomes accessible, and it offers a flat storage space for dirty or wet objects.

The driver and front passenger sit on electrically adjustable sport seats with integrated head restraints, the shells of which are made from CFRP. The center console integrates a large selector lever, which is electrically extended when the car is started; it is used to control the hybrid drive. The spokes of the steering wheel incorporate control surfaces for the thumbs, which the driver can use to carry out most functions. These can also be controlled just as intuitively from a large touchpad on the center console.

The low dashboard is very clearly turned towards the driver. The air conditioning controls incorporate miniature displays. The virtual displays in the instrument cluster can be toggled between two different levels, and a power-meter visualizes the drive system’s operating statuses.

The Audi crosslane coupe introduces new online services under the key word Audi connect. Its passengers are always connected to the Internet community – via Twitter, Facebook or by sending photos and videos recorded on the road. A completely new feature is the “Escape Manager” – a program passengers can use to review and comment on the routes they are driving for their friends.

Geometric clarity: interior design

The interior design of the Audi crosslane coupe continues the design language of the exterior in the geometrical clarity of its basic shapes; instrument covers and the grilles on the air nozzles, for example, take up the trapezoidal theme. The narrow gap dimensions and three-dimensional surfaces reflect Audi’s uncompromisingly high quality standards.

The dominant interior material of the Audi crosslane coupe is CFRP, which is used in a number of different variations. On the dashboard cowl, for instance, the composite fibers are all aligned in a single direction; this unidirectional arrangement is a new departure in the automotive sector. The CFRP parts are slightly lighter in color in some areas and darker in others, an effect achieved by different clear coat applications.

The aluminum elements, too, are used in a subtly differentiated way. Most of them are machine-polished, but the air nozzles use a black anodized light alloy. The vehicle floor is made from glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) incorporating sections of a new material: Thick cords are woven with rubber threads to form a hard-wearing carpet.

In their leather selections, Audi designers also employed various material grades. The most widely used grade is soft semi-aniline leather. Velvet leather in black provides an enlivening contrast. It has a robust, slightly coarse surface reminiscent of suede.
The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.

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Audi has asked a Chinese dealer to remove a banner advocating the murder of Japanese people after a photograph of the sign went viral on the Internet amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

The anti-Japan message captured in the photo of the unidentified dealership doesn’t reflect Audi’s views, said Lu Minjie, a spokeswoman at FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co., the venture that makes Audi-brand cars in China.

Audi, which counts China as its biggest market, asked its dealers to be reasonable in expressing patriotism, she said. The photo, spread via China’s Twitter-like Sina Weibo service, showed 14 people — half of them women — posing in front of an Audi dealership under a red banner that read “Japanese must all be killed.”

Tension between Asia’s two largest economies escalated in the past week as thousands protested in Chinese cities against the Japanese government’s purchase of the disputed islands, known as Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan.

“It’s okay for them to protest against Japan, but they can’t be talking about killing people,” said Shaun Rein, managing director of China Market Research in Shanghai. “Most people would be surprised and disappointed in Audi if they didn’t take a very strong stance.”

Covered in graves

In the undated photo, dealership employees smiled at the camera with their fists up in the air as two men dressed in dark suits hoisted a banner stretching across more than 20 feet (6 meters) that read: “Japanese must all be killed even if it means China is covered in graves. Diaoyu must be reclaimed even if China becomes barren land.”

Audi immediately contacted its Chinese joint-venture partner after the photo appeared Sept. 17, said Andrea Seltmann, an Audi spokeswoman based in Ingolstadt, Germany. The Chinese partner then told dealers to refrain from such activities, she said. “For us it was important to make sure that these activities do not involve Audi employees,” she said. “The dealers are independent though, but the banner was removed and we had no other similar issues since then.” On Audi’s Japan Web site, the company expressed regret for the incident.

Isolated incident

“As a company, we should not take positions in political issues,” the Volkswagen unit said in a Sept. 18 statement on the Japan Web site. “We sincerely regret such kind of behavior happened, and feel indignant toward this behavior.”

No apology was visible on the German automaker’s China Web site as of today. “We have asked dealers to be rational and show restraint,” said Lu, based in the northeastern Chinese city of Changchun, and in charge of Audi media relations for the joint venture. “It’s an isolated incident.”

Isolated or not, Kenji Fukudome, CEO of Tokyo-based Brand Core, which advises Japanese companies on entering China, said he’s outraged even though the incident appeared to him to have only been a marketing stunt. “From the Chinese marketing point of view, the banner is meant to relay that ‘Audi is on your side. If you have a Japanese car, change it to Audi,’” Fukudome said. “When Japanese people hear about cases like this, it discourages businesses from entering China.”

Reigniting controversy

The photo illustrates the wave of anti-Japan sentiment spreading across China, with some angry mobs attacking dealerships selling Japanese brands and trashing Japanese cars in the streets. Nissan Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. temporarily suspended production in the country at some plants.

Surging China sales have helped Audi double deliveries in the last 10 years, and the luxury brand now accounts for 47 percent of group operating profit.

The protests in China center around a decades-long dispute over a group of islands in the east China Sea. Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara reignited the row in April when he said he may use public funds to buy the islands.

In Tokyo, carmakers expressed shock over images of violence toward Japanese products. “It was unbearable to watch,” Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota and chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, said Thursday in a briefing in Tokyo. “Seeing cars damaged like that, for me, it felt like my body was receiving the blows.” Japanese auto sales in China will be hurt next month as a result of the tensions, he said, without giving an estimate on the damage from the protests.

China’s Passenger Car Association predicts Japanese brands will lose their lead over German nameplates in the country for the first time since 2005.

- oneighturbo

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Volunteers Needed!
It’s that time of year again, election season. This fall, we will hold our annual election: electing two Board of Directors position and the President. If you are interested in overseeing the election process, please respond to this email. Note: volunteers will not be able to serve on the election committee and also run for office.

We also need volunteers to help run our 3-day driving school at Atlanta Motorsports Park. This is a great opportunity to get a taste for what’s involved in a track event, both as a participant and event planner. If you’d like to volunteer for 1, 2 or all 3 days, please respond to this email. We’ll fill you in on the responsibilities and rewards involved.

And don’t forget that registration is now open for our 3-Day Driving School at Atlanta Motorsports Park, Presented by Audi North Atlanta. In addition to the traditional Saturday – Sunday Driving School, we willl offer a Friday lapping to advanced students and instructors.
Driving Schools are a tremendous opportunity to improve your skills and awareness as a driver in a controlled environment.
If you want to know more about what goes on at these events, see what this first-timer had to say about her experience on track.

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Audi today announced 2012 R8 models created exclusively for the U.S. market. Building on the award-winning R8 V8 and R8 V10 Coupes, the Exclusive Selection Editions will arrive in limited volume later this month. Only twenty 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 vehicles and thirty 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 vehicles will be produced.

The 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 commands immediate attention with new exterior colors and stunning exclusive interior finishes. For the first time, Audi debuts a Daytona Gray matte exterior for the 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8, complete with carbon fiber exterior splitter and diffuser, 19” titanium five-arm double spoke wheels, black grille surround, black exhaust finishers, R8 GT tail lamps, and red brake calipers. Inside, the R8 V8 features an exclusive leather package with Crimson Red elements and contrast stitching, exclusive leather Navigation surround, and a thicker contoured leather multifunctional steering wheel for a sportier grip. The 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 is equipped with a 4.2-liter FSI® V8 which generates 430 hp at 7,900 rpm, with 316 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 – 6,000 rpm.

Carbon Fiber elements, Bang & Olufsen® Sound System and Navigation with the Audi Music Interface also add to the 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition V8.

The 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 comes with a shimmering Ibis white exterior and Brilliant Black features – including the sideblade, exterior mirrors, and rear license plate surround – as well as R8 GT tail lamps and 19” bi-color e-tron wheels. Ibis finishes and Alabaster White contrast stitching, as well as a Carbon Fiber monoposto driver’s cockpit, completes the interior, which also features an exclusive leather Navigation surround and contoured steering wheel. The 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 is equipped with a 5.2-liter FSI V10, and produces 525 hp at 8,000 rpm with 391 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm.

Either version can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic R tronic® transmission. With Audi ultra lightweight technology and Audi quattro® all-wheel drive, the R8 boasts superior speed, performance and handling.

MSRP Pricing:
2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 manual transmission – $137,700
2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 R tronic transmission – $146,800
2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 manual transmission – $161,500
2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 R tronic transmission – $170,600

- oneighturbo