The Audi allroad quattro demonstrates the scope for a vehicle that has the elegance, road behaviour and comfort of the luxury class - and also fully-fledged off-road capabilities. It has been combining “the best of both worlds” since its successful market launch in May 2000. Audi has now pulled off a master-stroke in adding the special flair of a V8 engine to its range of power units, which already includes the 2.5 TDI (132 kW/180 bhp) and 2.7T (184 kW/250 bhp).
The new top version, called the Audi allroad quattro 4.2, has a power output of 220 kW (300 bhp) and its sporting performance figures are truly impressive. The exceptional position of the vehicle concept with 4-level air suspension, quattro drive and tiptronic with Dynamic Shift Program DSP and Sport program is further enhanced by this engine.
Outstandingly dynamic
The 4.2-litre V8 engine elevates travel in the Audi allroad quattro to the status of a very special experience. This engine develops 220 kW (300 bhp).
Its performance figures satisfy all customer requirements: the Audi allroad quattro 4.2 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds. Its top speed is 240 km/h.
The broad peak-torque range of this quiet-running eight-cylinder unit is even more impressive. It achieves a constant 380 Nm between 2700 and 4600 rpm. The driver thus has maximum propulsive power available at any time within this speed band that is the most used in practice. A supremely confident driving feeling is almost automatically the result.
The new compact V8 engine
A V8 engine with a displacement of 4.2 litres is already available in the Audi A6 4.2 quattro and S6, with a forward structure that is 37 millimetres longer. The special body requirements of the allroad quattro set out a quite different standard, as the exceptional off-road capability had to be retained by using the shortest possible engine compartment.
Two controllable electric cooler fans take the place of the large viscous fan at the front of the vehicle. The four camshafts are driven maintenance-free via chains. The toothed belt previously to be found at the engine’s front end has been replaced by a chain drive to its rear. This also drives the ancillaries of water pump, oil pump, hydraulic pump and air-conditioning compressor. The transfer of the drive moments to the ancillaries takes place via axle shafts.
Compared with the “toothed belt engine” the length of the already unusually compact Audi V8 engine has thus been reduced by a further 52 millimetres to 464 millimetres.
Through the use of magnesium components the engine weight has been reduced by some five kilograms compared to the other Audi eight-cylinder engines.
A two-stage variable intake manifold made from magnesium guarantees maximum engine output higher up the speed range and ample low-end torque. Continuous camshaft control also contributes towards impressive dynamism across an extremely wide range of engine speeds.
The Audi allroad quattro 4.2 has one variable camshaft system per bank of cylinders, to vary the valve timing of the inlet camshafts according to the engine speed range. An ample torque curve across the entire speed band and quiet running in combination with low exhaust emissions are the result. The new 4.2-litre engine of the Audi allroad quattro undercuts the limits laid down in the EU4 standard.
The new Audi S4 is also to be equipped with the same engine, but with even sportier tuning. The Audi V engine strategy is based on a new basic engine concept. It builds the platform for a new engine generation for spark-ignition and diesel engines.
The new Motronic ME 7.1.1 integrates the power take-offs of the Audi allroad quattro 4.2 into the engine management concept in keeping with the level of torque. Its lambda control permanently establishes the operating conditions and continually optimises the relationship between torque and fuel consumption, and thus also the exhaust emission values. The control unit maintains an ideal air/fuel mixture in the cylinder.
Accelerator movements are translated directly into propulsion by means of electrical pulses without any delay (”drive-by-wire”). Four knock sensors assure ultra-precise knock control. Cylinder-specific ignition timing moreover assures exemplary engine smoothness control and excellent idle running. A water-cooled 190 A generator ensures high electrical power.
New: tiptronic with Sport program and remote one-touch function
The Audi allroad quattro 4.2 has a five-speed tiptronic gearbox as standard. With the selector lever in the Audi allroad quattro 4.2 there are only five basic functions to be selected manually: “P”, “R” and “N” and “D” and “S”.
This convenient automatic transmission with Dynamic Shift Program DSP adapts permanently to the driver’s chosen style. In the tiptronic gate of the selector lever it also enables sequential gear selection using the gear lever in the centre console or by paddles in the cross-spokes of the optional leather sports steering wheel.
In addition to DSP, there is a Sport program that places the emphasis squarely on dynamic performance. It enables the convenience of modern five-speed automatic transmission to be enjoyed even when adopting a particularly sporty driving style.
In the “S” selector lever position the transmission changes up later and down earlier. The driver thus benefits from maximum pulling power and can make even better use of the available torque.
The three-spoke, leather sports steering wheel with gearshift control means that the driver can now change directly between the automatic mode and manual gear selection at the push of a button (”remote one-touch function”). The driver’s hands can thus remain firmly on the steering wheel if, for instance, he simply wants to shift down a gear before overtaking. This increases not only operating convenience but also safety. The tiptronic reverts to the fully automatic mode eight seconds after the driver has intervened manually.
Running gear
Exact feedback on the current operating status, high steering precision and dependable self-steering behaviour are the advantages of the Audi allroad quattro’s four-link front suspension. The ingenious axle geometry with short disturbance-force leverage largely eliminates any effects of driveline forces on the steering. The front axle has independent suspension, a tubular anti-roll bar and an air spring damper strut with twin-tube gas-filled shock absorber.
The front wheel control elements at the front are bolted to the body by means of a subframe of weight-saving steel design and four rubber/metal mounts. These mounts eliminate suspension vibration and isolate the body from undesirable noise and vibration. The use of aluminium for a large number of wheel control elements saves weight and thus reduces the unsprung mass, with a positive effect on the vehicle’s handling and ride comfort.
The allroad quattro’s double-wishbone rear axle has been configured for optimum ride comfort and high tracking stability. There are upper and lower triangular wishbones for wheel control. Toe-in control for stabilisation during cornering is handled by two rod-type control arms. The wheel control components are, in turn, connected to the body by means of a torsionally and flexurally rigid subframe and rubber-metal mounts. The air-spring damper strut has pneumatic, load-dependent damping.
This axle design assures a very high standard of dynamic handling and ride comfort.
The driver is aided by the Electronic Stabilisation Program ESP with ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution EBD, ASR traction control and an Electronic Differential Lock EDL. This standard driver assistance package is shared with the other Audi allroad quattro models 2.7T and 2.5 TDI.
quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Permanent four-wheel drive with variable distribution of the propulsive power by means of a Torsen interaxle differential ensures that even very high engine output is always converted purposefully into forward movement. If the degree of slip between the wheels and the surface of the road increases due to a deteriorating coefficient of friction on loose or slippery ground, the propulsive power is automatically diverted to whichever wheels achieve better traction. Propulsion is also ensured even if only one wheel is gripping.
Changes in the road surface and the vehicle’s dynamic response are immediately compensated for automatically. Load reversal reactions when braking are minimised by the fact that the engine braking torque is distributed between all four wheels.
4-level air suspension
When it comes to suspension, offering the “best of both worlds” is a seemingly insuperable problem. The Audi allroad quattro succeeds in developing exceptional strengths off road without the driver having to accept limitations on the road - and the reverse.
Driving across rough terrain necessitates ample ground clearance, with the result that the vehicle’s centre of gravity is generally high up. Yet this is detrimental to swift cornering, dynamic stability at high speeds and an economically low drag coefficient.
On the other hand, the low centre of gravity of a vehicle designed with road use in mind means that it will often make contact with the ground if driven over rough terrain. The short spring travel of a conventional passenger car will moreover make for a less than comfortable ride.
The so-called SUV (Sport Utility Vehicles) as the main competitor of the Audi allroad quattro with their design features and stylistic attributes adopted from other vehicles, such as clearly visible ground clearance at any time and the very high seating position, appeal to a rather more extrovert customer group.
Unlike the unobtrusive Audi allroad quattro, however, they are more willing to compromise in terms of on-road driveability. This deficit is especially noticeable with the top V8 engines.
A variable ground clearance on the Audi allroad quattro has led to a solution of this conflict of aims and thus to “the best of both worlds”. Audi’s development engineers have realised a flexible solution with an ingenious, electronically controlled air suspension system for front and rear axle.
In this way, it has become possible for the first time not only to get away from the beaten track, but also to enjoy the journey on normal roads without restrictions in dynamics, comfort or safety.
The 4-level air suspension adapts at all times
The further developed 4-level air suspension on the Audi allroad quattro adapts to a wide range of situations so that an optimum performance can be called on at all times, whilst maximum safety is also ensured.
At speeds of over 130 km/h, the vehicle is automatically lowered from its normal ride height by 25 mm. In off-road use, a ground clearance of as much as 208 mm can be achieved at a speed of up to 35 km/h.
The overhang angles of 19.5 degrees at the front and 23 degrees at the rear make it possible to cross difficult terrain, such as ditches, with reliable ease. A ramp angle of 19 degrees prevents the floor from bottoming when the car is driven over ridges, and a maximum gradient of 60 percent ensures that it can climb even steep slopes with verve.
With a tilt angle of 40 degrees, the Audi allroad quattro 4.2 demonstrates excellent stability when driven in an inclined position.
As there is now just a single mode, automatic engaging of the parking level has been eliminated and the changeover speed thresholds have been modified, the 2002 model year marks the advent of a substantially simplified ride height control system for all Audi allroad quattro models.
Extended functions of the 4-level air suspension
The ride height is adjusted automatically when the threshold speed is reached, irrespective of whether the vehicle has been started in the ride height mode indicated or whether the driver has selected that ride height manually while the vehicle is in motion. The maximum ride height 2, affording maximum ground clearance of 208 mm, must always be selected manually.
If a speed of 35 km/h is exceeded, the vehicle is lowered to ride height 1 with 192 mm ground clearance. Above 80 km/h, the standard ride height (167 mm ground clearance) is selected; if a speed of 130 km/h is exceeded for at least 30 seconds, the ground clearance is then lowered to 142 mm (”motorway mode”).
If the standard ride height is re-established manually after the car has been adjusted automatically to its lowest position, the motorway mode is deactivated. The system will then no longer lower the ride height automatically if the vehicle is recurrently accelerated over the 130 km/h speed threshold.
This avoids the need to keep re-establishing the standard ride height manually or to slow down to at least 70 km/h in order to prompt the change automatically. The motorway mode will not be reactivated until the engine is next started.
The vehicle is returned from this low ride height to the standard ride height after an optimised time lapse of 120 seconds if its speed is less than 70 km/h, after 30 seconds at less than 35 km/h, and immediately if it is travelling at below 5 km/h.
If the driver starts the car at the low ride height or selects it manually while on the move, the system does not adjust it automatically according to speed. The current ride height is displayed in the instrument panel.
Tailor-made equipment
The already extensive specification of the Audi allroad quattro has been further upgraded on the new 4.2 version. The eight-cylinder version runs on 7.5 x 18 aluminium hollow-spoke wheels with 245/45 R 18 Y tyres, and sees its way with xenon headlights.
The bumpers, wheel arches and roof have been maintained in contrasting matt finish as standard. As an option though these parts can also be painted in the colour of the body.
The original, authentic design combines function and form. The underbody guard is thus enhanced visually by aluminium-look stainless steel applications at the front and rear.
Five of the nine available exterior colours are new in the programme for the Audi allroad quattro 4.2: Alpaca Beige, Burgundy Red, Ebony Black, Irish Green and Cobalt Blue, all of which have a metallic finish.
Inside the Audi allroad quattro 4.2 is trimmed in cricket leather as standard (with optional Recaro seats) in a choice of three colours and is equipped with a four-spoke leather steering wheel.
For the seats there is a choice of various materials - leather, an Alcantara/leather combination, cricket leather, Valcona leather or cloth. Whilst the Valcona leather is in a single colour, the other upholstery options are in two contrasting leather colours.
Both front seats are electrically adjustable and come with an electrically adjustable lumbar support and a folding centre armrest.
The ambience is underscored by walnut inlays on the centre console, the dashboard and the four door inner panels. There is also the Driver Information System DIS with on-board computer, Auto Check Control, outside temperature display and a radio-controlled clock.
An anti-theft alarm system monitors passenger compartment, engine and luggage compartments and a back-up horn emits a clearly audible alarm if the parked Audi allroad quattro is lifted up.
The standard-fit passive safety equipment includes airbags for the driver and front passenger, side airbags at the front and the Audi sideguard head-level airbag system.
[source: audi-mediaservices.com]
Entries (RSS)