Audi Sport GmbH

Last updated

Audi Sport GmbH
Company type Subsidiary (GmbH)
Industry Automotive
Founded Neckarsulm, Germany (October 1983) [1] [2]
HeadquartersNeckarsulm
Number of locations
one 3,500 m2 site at Neckarsulm
Area served
Worldwide
Products High-performance luxury automobiles, [2]
wheels and suspension components,
specialist body styling parts,
automotive consumer goods
Services Automotive design, testing, production,
research and development
Increase2.svg 220 million (2004)
Owner Volkswagen Group
Number of employees
580 (plus 250 additional R8 employees) (2009) [1] [2]
Parent Audi
Subsidiaries Volkswagen R GmbH
Volkswagen Individual GmbH
Website audi.com/audisport

Audi Sport GmbH, formerly known as quattro GmbH, [3] is the high-performance car manufacturing subsidiary of Audi, [1] [4] [5] [6] itself a subsidiary of the greater Volkswagen Group.

Contents

Founded in October 1983 as quattro GmbH, it primarily specializes in producing high-performance Audi cars [2] and components, along with purchaser specified customizations. [1] The company's former name was a homage to Audi's original four-wheel drive rally-inspired road car—the Audi Quattro. In 2016, the company was renamed Audi Sport GmbH. [7]

It is located in a 3,500 square metres (37,670  sq ft ) site at Neckarsulm, [4] near Stuttgart, in the German State of Baden-Württemberg. Development and manufacturing factories [2] is based within a larger 10,700 square metres (115,170 sq ft) site of the now defunct German automotive maker (and Wankel pistonless rotary engine pioneer) NSU Motorenwerke AG [ clarification needed ]

Its core products include the Audi RS4, the Audi RS6 and the Audi R8. Furthermore, it is a 'closed company', in that it does not sell its automobiles directly to the public via franchised outlets under its own brand name; instead, they are sold under the Audi marque. However, it does now[ when? ] sell 'quattro GmbH' branded lifestyle products and accessories via Audi franchised outlets and Audi Forum such as that located in the Allianz Arena on the northern outskirts of Munich, Germany.

Business areas

Audi Sport GmbH specializes in four 'key' areas, [1] including the design, testing and production of specialist and high performance Audi automobiles, such as the Audi RS3, Audi RS4, Audi RS5, Audi RS6, Audi RS7, Audi RS Q3, Audi RS Q8, Audi TTRS and the Audi R8.

They also design and specify roadwheels, and design and produce sports suspension [1] and the specialist car body parts (such as front bumpers, splitters, side skirts, rear bumpers, diffusers and rear spoilers) which are mainly used on the Audi "S line" trim specification available on most of the model range.

RS cars

The Audi RS cars have the technology and performance comparable with high performance sports cars such as the Porsche 911.[ citation needed ] Being based on conventional saloon (sedan) or estate (station wagon) cars, RS models also retain the everyday comfort and practicality of regular mainstream models. They are some of the most powerful vehicles ever offered by Audi. quattro GmbH create, design, develop and produce all RS models in conjunction with parent, AUDI AG. [1] [2]

The "RS" initials are taken from the German : RennSport – literally translated as "racing sport". RS is Audi's highest trim level, positioned above the "S" ("Sport") specification level of Audi's regular model range. RS cars are usually produced in limited numbers over a limited time scale (historically, nearing the end of the production run of a certain model, before a new evolution or generation of the same model),[ citation needed ] and are built with some of Audi's latest technology and engineering. Whilst RS cars generally command a much higher purchase price, compared to their 'lesser' brethren, they also retain above average residual values.[ citation needed ]

S line

"S line" badge in front grille Audi S-line.JPG
"S line" badge in front grille

S line is a trim specification that is offered on many Audi models. Whilst the individual S line parts and components are designed and manufactured by quattro GmbH, [1] [2] [4] Audi "S line" cars are still manufactured in the same AUDI AG factories, on the same production lines as their related models with differing trim levels. Cars with "S line" trim should not be confused with high-performance "S" and "RS" models. Audi cars with S line trim bear identical performance figures to their counterparts with SE or base trim levels, with the exception of the Audi Q7 S line with the 3.0 V6 TFSI petrol engines (213  kW (290  PS ; 286  bhp ) for standard, 245 kW (333 PS; 329 bhp) for S line).

Audi exclusive

quattro GmbH offers potential purchasers of new Audi cars the possibility of customizing their new car beyond the scope of "conventional" options, to their own personal desires during the initial manufacturing process. [4] This facility is called Audi exclusive, [8] and extends to virtually all areas of the car. The customer may choose unique exterior paint, in any colour, as well as alloy wheels originally developed by quattro GmbH. For the interior, the upholstery can be finished in various grades and grains of leathers (including Nappa), in a choice of colours. These coloured leathers may also be applied to interior door coverings and rear parcel shelves. Headlining fabrics can be customized in colour, along with seat belt webbing. The interior can be finished with a wide selection of wooden trims, sourced from around the world, along with colour-coordinated piping on the edges of tailored floor carpet mats. A range of in-car office equipment is also available. [1] quattro GmbH first offered this service at the 1995 Frankfurt International Motor Show. [2]

Audi lifestyle / Audi Accessories

From 1985, quattro GmbH has developed a range of Audi lifestyle products, known as Audi Accessories. [2] These include mountain bikes and personal leather goods, such as briefcases, handbags, purses and wallets.

Car production

Audi A4 B7 DTM Edition, one of the cars produced by quattro GmbH Audi A4 DTM Edition front.JPG
Audi A4 B7 DTM Edition, one of the cars produced by quattro GmbH

quattro GmbH has historically only been able to produce one specific model at a time at its sole plant at Neckarsulm. Chronologically, the first quattro GmbH model produced was the Audi RS2 Avant, a joint venture between Porsche and quattro GmbH, from 1994–1996 (and actually built at Porsche's Zuffenhausen plant). After this initial joint venture, all subsequent cars have been solely (with the exception of the Audi TT RS) produced at Neckarsulm by quattro GmbH. The second car was the C4 S6 Plus, produced from April 1996 to July 1997. Third was the 2000–2001 B5 RS4 Avant quattro; fourth was the 2003 C5 RS6 quattro; fifth was the 2005 B7 A4 DTM Edition saloon. Sixth out of quattro GmbH was the 2006 B7 RS4 quattro, seventh out of quattro GmbH was the 2006 B7 S4 25 Quattro, the eighth was a special edition A4 S-Line with 220 hp (223 PS; 164 kW) and additional options for local markets – for example the UK 'Special Edition' with black optics pack, ventilated cross-drilled front disc brakes, black exhaust pipes, two-tone leather interior – and the Swedish 'TS' designation with ventilated cross-drilled front disc brakes, S4 chassis, sport seats and aluminum interior detailing, and as of 2009, the ninth and latest offering is the 2008 C6 RS6 5.0 TFSI quattro. [2] [4] [6]

In 2005, they built an Audi TT quattro sport with 176 kW.

The Audi R8 is built in a new and totally separate quattro GmbH plant at Neckarsulm.

The latest Audi TT RS and the Audi RS3 are both notable departures from this Neckarsulm-only production tradition. Whilst the TT RS and RS3 were wholly designed, developed and engineered at Neckarsulm by quattro GmbH, they are manufactured alongside the non-RS Audi models, with the TT RS being manufactured at Győr, Hungary, by AUDI AG subsidiary Audi Hungaria Motor Kft. [9]

quattro GmbH-produced cars from Neckarsulm can be identified by their specific 2nd and 3rd digit of the World Manufacturer Identifier section of the vehicles' Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – quattro GmbH manufactured cars begin with 'WUA....', whereas cars produced by AUDI AG in Germany begin with 'WAU....'. [9]

Audi R8

The Audi R8 two-seat mid-engined sports car was exclusively designed and developed and is produced by quattro GmbH. [4] [6] An old factory on the Audi Neckarsulm site was redeveloped, and 28 million was invested in the new R8 production line. Around 250 employees work on this car. [1]

The longitudinally oriented 4.2  litre Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) V8 engine used in the R8, rated at 309  kW (420  PS ; 414  bhp ) and 430  N⋅m (317  lbf⋅ft ) of torque, is shared from the B7 RS4 quattro, but modified to use a dry sump lubrication system [10] and induction system.

A subsequent V10 engined version of the R8 is also available, using a de-tuned version of their sister company's 5.2-litre FSI V10, used in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. This variant produces 386 kW (525 PS; 518 bhp) and 530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft) of torque.

Furthermore, quattro GmbH unveiled a diesel engined R8 concept, the "R8 V12 TDI" (later renamed "R8 TDI Le Mans"). This was to use a 6.0-litre V12 engine, utilising Volkswagen Group's long-established Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) turbodiesel technology. This engine was rated at 368 kW (500 PS; 493 bhp) and 1,000 N⋅m (738 lbf⋅ft) of torque.

Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro

quattro GmbH has developed the most powerful diesel powered sport utility vehicle (SUV) in its class. [4] [6] [11] The Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro is fitted with a V12 Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) internal combustion engine. A world first,[ additional citation(s) needed ] this all new diesel engine displaces 6.0 litres, generating a motive power output of 368 kW (500 PS; 493 bhp) (measured according to Directive 80/1269/EEC) at 4,000  rpm, and 1,000 N⋅m (738 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 1,750–3,000 rpm. This allows it to accelerate from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 5.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph). quattro GmbH has developed this new engine using existing technology from Audi's Le Mans endurance racing program – the Audi R15 TDI. [12]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi</span> German automotive manufacturer

Audi AG is a German automotive manufacturer of luxury vehicles headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. A subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, Audi produces vehicles in nine production facilities worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi A6</span> Motor vehicle

The Audi A6 is an executive car made by the German company Audi since 1994. Now in its fifth generation, the successor to the Audi 100 is manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany, and is available in saloon and estate configurations, the latter marketed by Audi as the Avant. Audi's internal numbering treats the A6 as a continuation of the Audi 100 lineage, with the initial A6 designated as a member of the C4-series, followed by the C5, C6, C7, and the C8. The related Audi A7 is essentially a Sportback (liftback) version of the C7-series and C8-series A6 but is marketed under its own separate identity and model designation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi TT</span> Motor vehicle

The Audi TT is a production front-engine, 2-door, 2+2 sports coupé and roadster, manufactured and marketed by Audi from 1998 to 2023 across three generations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi A3</span> German subcompact executive/small family car

The Audi A3 is a subcompact executive/small family car (C-segment) manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi AG since September 1996, currently in its fourth generation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi A5</span> Compact executive coupé cars

The Audi A5 is a series of compact executive / grand touring coupé cars produced by the German automobile manufacturer Audi since June 2007. The A5 range additionally comprises the coupe, cabriolet, and "Sportback" version of the Audi A4 saloon and estate models.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi A4</span> German compact executive car model

The Audi A4 is a line of luxury compact executive cars produced since 1994 by the German car manufacturer Audi, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. The A4 has been built in five generations and is based on the Volkswagen Group B platform. The first generation A4 succeeded the Audi 80. The automaker's internal numbering treats the A4 as a continuation of the Audi 80 lineage, with the initial A4 designated as the B5-series, followed by the B6, B7, B8, and the B9.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi R8</span> Mid-engine sports car made by Audi

The Audi R8 is a mid-engine, 2-seater sports car, which uses Audi's trademark quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. It was introduced by the German car manufacturer Audi AG in 2006. Production ended in the first quarter of 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi Q7</span> Motor vehicle

The Audi Q7 is a crossover SUV made by the German manufacturer Audi, unveiled in September 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Production of this seven-seater SUV began in the autumn of 2005 at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant in Bratislava, Slovakia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi RS 6</span> Motor vehicle

The Audi RS 6 is a high-performance variant of the Audi A6 range, produced by the high-performance subsidiary company Audi Sport GmbH, for its parent company Audi AG, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, from 2002 onwards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi S8</span> Motor vehicle

The Audi S8 is a full-size luxury car of the Audi S models produced by the German automaker Audi AG, manufactured by Audi Sport GmbH at the Neckarsulm plant. The S8 is the mechanically-upgraded, high-performance version of the Audi A8, fitted standard with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system, and was only offered with a short-wheelbase for the first three generations, being joined by a long-wheelbase variant option for the fourth generation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi RS 4</span> Motor vehicle

The Audi RS 4 is the high-performance variant of the Audi A4 range produced by Audi Sport GmbH for AUDI AG, a division of the Volkswagen Group. It sits above the Audi S4 as the fastest, most sports-focused car based on the A4's "B" automobile platform. The RS 4 was reintroduced in 2012, based on the A4 Avant instead of the sedan as did the original model.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi S6</span> Motor vehicle

The Audi S6 is the performance variant of the Audi A6, an executive car produced by German automaker Audi. It went on sale in 1994, shortly after the "A6" designation was introduced, replacing the "100" nameplate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi S2</span> Motor vehicle

The Audi S2 is an Audi sports car, manufactured by the division of quattro GmbH on the same platform as the Audi 80 (B4) in Neckarsulm, Germany, produced from 1991 to 1995. The Audi S2 is the first car in the Audi S series. In 1994, a more powerful Audi RS 2 Avant was released.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi S and RS models</span> Motor vehicle

Audi S and RS models are a range of high performance versions of certain car models of the German automotive company Audi AG. These cars primarily focus on enhanced "sport" performance. Production of Audi "S" cars began in 1990 with the S2 Coupé, whilst the first "RS" car appeared four years later with the Audi RS 2 Avant.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi A7</span> Executive luxury five-door liftback coupé

The Audi A7 is an executive five-door liftback coupé produced by Audi since 2010. A luxury car, it features a sloping roofline with a steeply raked rear window and integrated boot lid, and four frameless doors. An extended-wheelbase three-box, four-door saloon derivative called the A7L has been produced in China since 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi R8 Le Mans Concept</span> Motor vehicle

The Audi R8 V12 TDI, was a diesel engined concept car that was first presented to the public at the 2008 North American International Auto Show on 13 January and then the Geneva Motor Show in March in the same year. The car was fitted with a 6.0-litre V12 engine, utilising Volkswagen Group's long-established Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) turbodiesel technology. This engine produces 368 kW at 4,000 rpm and 1,000 N⋅m (738 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 1,750-3,000 rpm. The car utilises Audi's quattro permanent four-wheel drive system and a 6-speed manual transmission. The car can accelerate from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.2 seconds, and can reach a top speed of over 300 km/h (186 mph).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi R8 (Type 42)</span> Sports car

The Audi R8 is the first generation of the R8 sports car developed and manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Audi. Conceived in 2003 in concept form, the R8 was put into production in June 2006. The Type 42 is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo and shares its chassis and engine. Audi's parent company Volkswagen Group owns Lamborghini as well and components of both of the cars were shared mainly to save development costs. Production of the Type 42 ended in August 2015, following the introduction of the Type 4S at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show which was based on an entirely new platform.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi R8 (Type 4S)</span> Second and final generation of the R8 sports car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Audi

The Audi R8 is the second generation of the R8 sports car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Audi. The Type 4S is based on the Lamborghini Huracán and shares its platform and engine. The Type 4S was introduced at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and its production began in late 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen-Audi V8 engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Volkswagen-Audi V8 engine family is a series of mechanically similar, gasoline-powered and diesel-powered, V-8, internal combustion piston engines, developed and produced by the Volkswagen Group, in partnership with Audi, since 1988. They have been used in various Volkswagen Group models, and by numerous Volkswagen-owned companies. The first spark-ignition gasoline V-8 engine configuration was used in the 1988 Audi V8 model; and the first compression-ignition diesel V8 engine configuration was used in the 1999 Audi A8 3.3 TDI Quattro. The V8 gasoline and diesel engines have been used in most Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Bentley, and Lamborghini models ever since. The larger-displacement diesel V8 engine configuration has also been used in various Scania commercial vehicles; such as in trucks, buses, and marine (boat) applications.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Audi Worldwide > Company > Investor Relations > quattro GmbH". AUDI AG . Audi.com. 2009. Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Audi Deutschland > Unternehmen > Investor Relations > quattro GmbH". AUDI AG (in German). Audi.de. 2009. Archived from the original on 23 August 2009. Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  3. Audi-Mediacenter Retrieved 30 November 2016
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Audi Worldwide > Company > Investor Relations > Audi at a glance – The Audi Group". AUDI AG . Audi.com. 2009. Archived from the original on 6 January 2010. Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  5. "quattro GmbH: Producer of dreams". elmundo.es (in Spanish). 5 June 2002. Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Sites". AUDI AG (Press release). Audi-MediaServices.com. 10 March 2009. Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  7. "AUDI SPORT IS NEW NAME OF QUATTRO GMBH, WILL LAUNCH EIGHT NEW MODELS". 29 November 2016.
  8. "Audi UK > New Cars > Audi exclusive – style and individuality". AUDI AG . Audi.co.uk. Archived from the original on 9 September 2009. Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  9. 1 2 ETKA
  10. "Dyno Test: 2008 Audi R8 vs. 2007 Audi RS4". AutomobileMag.com. Source:Interlink Media. 20 April 2007. Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  11. "The World's Most Powerful Diesel Passenger Car". AudiWorld.com. AUDI AG. 11 September 2006. Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  12. "The Ultimate High-Performance SUV – The New Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro". Audi-MediaServices.com (Press release). 2 March 2008. Retrieved 2 October 2009.