Engineers at Audi designed the A1 Sportback with a steel frame that balances low curb weight with high tensile strength. Audi’s production team formed steel components at extremely high temperatures that thinned the resulting material while boosting strength. The A1 Sportback is 12 feet long and eight feet wide with a curb weight of 2,347 pounds. A mixture of steel and composite components keeps drivers safe while reducing fuel consumption.

The A1 Sportback comes standard with a seven-speed S tronic transmission with hill hold assist feature. Buyers can opt for five or six-speed manual transmissions if they want greater control over their vehicles. The menu of engine options ranges from 63 kW to 136 kW in output with an even split between diesel and gasoline engines. Audi will offer four versions of the A1 Sportback with start/stop systems to achieve higher fuel economy. These engine variants provide a range of fuel mileage from 46 MPG to 62 MPG. The 136 kW engine can hit a top speed of 141 miles per hour and reaches 60 MPH from a dead stop in seven seconds.

Audi’s efforts to produce fuel-efficient versions of their popular models should work in the short term but keeps the automaker from succeeding over the next generation. The A1 Sportback works well for European consumers beleaguered by rising fuel costs and interested in smaller vehicles. This model leverages Audi’s reputation for vehicle performance while addressing environmental concerns by drivers. The problem for Audi is that European competitors are pushing for hybrids, alt-fuel vehicles and EVs in the next five years. Audi is stuck in neutral compared to Volkswagen, Peugeot, Gordon Murray Designs and other European automakers. The A1 Sportback meets consumer needs in the next five years but Audi could be left behind without a major investment in clean vehicles.

The European Federation for Transport and Environment (T&E) has published reports the past six years detailing emissions reductions in the European auto industry. The latest report entitled 2011 Cars & CO2 Report: How Clean Are Europe’s Cars? concludes that automakers in Europe have trimmed carbon emissions by 3.7% compared to 2009 models. The winner in terms of emissions reductions was Volvo Cars with a fleet reduction of 9% from 2009 to 2010. T&E focuses on tailpipe emissions and carbon footprint measured in real-world situations without factoring weight into their analysis.

2011 Cars & CO2 Report analyzed leading automakers by percentage reduction, average emissions and proximity to EU emissions targets. Volvo’s 9% reduction topped the chart with a handful of automakers falling in a range from 2% to 6%. T&E found that Mazda and Honda actually saw increases in their fleet emissions from the 2009 model year. The average vehicle emissions list was led by Fiat (126g/km), Toyota (129g/km) and Peugeot (131g/km). EU emissions standards require average emissions of 130 g/km for each company’s fleet by 2015 with slight variations based on vehicle weight. The report found that Toyota had nearly achieved the 2015 emissions goal last year while Volvo was among the furthest from their goal with an 8% gap to fill.

The success of Volvo Cars in the past year emerged from a focus on clean diesel technology popular among European consumers. The automaker’s V50 DRIVe achieved an emissions level of 99g/km and the V70 DRIVe 119g/km through efficient drive systems. Volvo is currently working on more substantial hybrids and all-electric vehicles though the DRIVe line is Volvo’s strategy for the foreseeable future. The T&E report is likely celebrated within Volvo’s research and management teams though the results show that Volvo had a long way to go before 2010.

T&E’s research seems positive on the whole though the details are disconcerting for automakers that must meet EU guidelines by 2015. Toyota, Peugeot and Fiat represent the only automakers in Europe of the top 15 companies within 5% of the 2015 EU emissions standard. Automakers have pushed hybrid, diesel and alt-fuel vehicles to the fore in the past two years. The questions that remain are whether automakers can introduce more efficient vehicles by 2015 and how emissions can be cut quickly in poor economic circumstances. European corporations and governments may need to invest heavily in eco-friendly vehicles over the next four years to push automakers to expedite green vehicle technology.

Audi’s presentation at the 2011 IAA in Frankfurt, Germany offered a glimpse into the future of holistic vehicle technology. The automaker presented an urban concept EV built with carbon-fiber polymers and aluminum last week. Audi showed the A2 EV concept alongside the urban concept EV with the common thread of lightweight construction. Both vehicles are equipped with Audi Wireless Charging (AWC) premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This technology was developed as a safe, durable and efficient alternative to plug-in chargers. Audi appears ready to develop not only the automotive technology but also the infrastructure needed by its customers.

A 7.1kWh lithium-ion battery and two electric motors with 15kW of maximum output power the urban concept EV. Audi kept vehicle weight under 1,100 pounds by incorporating aluminum into the wheels and carbon fiber-reinforced polymers into the exterior panels. The cockpit features offset driver and passenger seats with side doors replaced by a sliding roof. The Audi EV drive allows the urban concept EV to travel up to 45 miles per charge with a maximum speed of 62 miles per hour. Audi notes that this concept can hit 37 miles per hour from a dead stop in six seconds. Charging times vary from 20 minutes with a 400-volt outlet to just over one hour using a 230-volt outlet.

The Audi A2 EV looks like the bigger, more mature sibling of the urban concept EV. This four-door crossover features a 31kWh lithium-ion battery and an 85kW electric motor mounted on the rear axle. The A2 EV has a per-charge range of 124 miles despite a curb weight of 2,535 pounds. Audi states that the A2 EV has a maximum speed of 93 miles per hour. Drivers would have a bit more acceleration than possible with the urban concept thanks to a projected 0-60 miles per hour time of 9.3 seconds.

The AWC technology exhibits Audi’s efforts to look beyond vehicle design with its next generation of vehicles. Each AWC unit uses induction charging powered by a coil and inverter. A driver activates the unit automatically by parking an outfitted vehicle over the charging plate. Audi notes that AWC has been honed to ensure the safety of passengers and bystanders. Additional benefits of this wireless charging technology include weatherproof components and automatic cut-off when batteries are recharged. The urban concept EV and A2 EV might be off in the distance but Audi wants the AWC to reach the market as major customers invest in charging infrastructure.

The Audi A8 Hybrid will start hitting the streets of European cities by the end of 2012 according to a recent press release by the automaker. This hybrid sedan incorporates the latest advancements in electric motor, battery and lightweight frame design from Audi. Representatives from Audi note that the A8 Hybrid uses aluminum components with high-strength steel pillars. This innovative construction method cuts curb weight by 40% compared to traditional Audi sedans. The A8 Hybrid could become the lightest sedan produced by major automakers if Audi’s projections are accurate.

Designers at Audi coupled a 40kW electric motor, 1.3kWh lithium-ion battery and 155kW gas engine in the A8 Hybrid. The battery pack stays within normal operating temperatures thanks to two cooling methods alternated during operation. An air-cooling system using a fan on the passenger side kicks into gear when the vehicle is driving in temperate conditions. Audi included a more powerful cooling mechanism within the air conditioner to reduce battery temperature in extreme conditions. Advancements like the dual cooling system extend battery range by reducing fluctuations in performance due to temperature.

Audi gives drivers the power to choose their operational modes using touch-screen displays in the A8 Hybrid. The three-mode drive defaults to the hybrid D mode that combines performance from the engine and motor. Drivers interested in greater power can shift into the S mode while eco-conscious operators can opt for E mode. The dual displays in the A8 Hybrid cockpit show overall performance by the drive system as well as individual components. Audi incorporated optional engine boost and battery recuperation features accessible with a touch of the screen.

Performance estimates for the Audi A8 Hybrid shows that this new hybrid should compete with other sedans in terms of speed, power and fuel economy.  This sedan reaches 62 miles per hour from a dead stop in 7.7 seconds. Audi states that the A8 Hybrid can achieve a maximum speed of 146 miles per hour. All-electric drive is possible for about 1.8 miles at speeds up to 62 miles per hour. The estimated fuel economy for this hybrid is a modest 36.7 miles per gallon based on EPA standards. Audi no doubt expects the A8 Hybrid to compete with the Toyota Prius and Chevy Volt for eco-conscious consumers.

The upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) will feature a concept study created by Audi for urban consumers. Audi’s Urban Concept EV was developed without reference to past Audi models to eschew problems with vehicle size and weight. The two-seat Urban Concept EV is intended for European drivers living in cities facing increasing traffic congestion. Designers at Audi saw shrinking availability of parking and increased vehicle use as opportunities for automotive innovation. The resulting Urban Concept EV features lightweight materials, a small frame and an all-electric drive system that represent the future of the European auto market.

The Urban Concept EV team started by scrapping Audi’s vehicle templates and determining features desired by future drivers. Audi built this urban vehicle around a battery-electric drive system powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery. Battery pack range has not been released yet though Audi officials note that the range is sufficient for urban commutes. The battery pack feeds two e-tron electric motors attached to the rear wheels. These wheel hub motors have been road-tested in the A1 e-tron and other Audi prototypes.

Future models in the Audi family should replicate the lightweight construction of the Urban Concept EV. The primary goal for Audi designers was to eliminate all unnecessary weight from the body to extend range. The 21-inch wheels stand out not only because of LED running lights within the wheel wells but the vehicle’s low profile. Audi’s vision for the Urban Concept EV involves the use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) in body and cockpit construction. CFRPs represent an important development for Audi as this construction material would reduce vehicle weight while increasing strength-to-weight ratio. The Audi Urban Concept EV could be half the weight of comparable vehicles and still meet European and American vehicle safety standards.

Audi did not sacrifice passenger comfort or sleek interior design when developing the Urban Concept EV. The 1+1 seating provides maximum leg room within the diminutive cockpit. Drivers would be able to adjust their seating, steering wheels and pedals to their preferred positions without much difficulty. The Frankfurt prototype uses a sliding roof that moves toward the rear wheels to provide access to the cockpit. We will not be seeing the Audi Urban EV rolling off production lines anytime soon but the vision embodied in this concept puts the automaker on the right track.

German automakers are flocking toward carbon fiber rather than steel in producing green vehicles over the next decade. The latest automaker to adopt the material for vehicle body construction is BMW, which recently announced a $100 million investment in a carbon fiber plant. This lightweight material has been used for years by cycle manufacturers and Formula One race teams looking to gain an edge on the competition. BMW’s long-term investment in carbon fiber will not only reduce vehicle weight across the fleet but push competitors to develop lighter vehicles.

Representatives from BMW announced plans to expand a nearly completed carbon fiber plant in Moses Lake, Washington. This central Washington location will start production of carbon fiber this fall with an annual capacity of 1,500 tons. These materials would be shipped to BMW’s processing plants in Germany where carbon fiber would be shaped into vehicle frames. BMW is adopting carbon frames for the i3 battery-electric car and the i8 hybrid sports car prior to their 2013 releases.

BMW joins Daimler and Audi in turning the German auto industry into a leader in carbon fiber use. Daimler is working with Japanese firm Toray to build a carbon fiber plant in Esslingen, Germany by fall 2012. This plant would focus initially on vehicle frames for the SL Roadster, a luxury vehicle priced from $102,600. Audi is consulting with Voith GmbH on converting existing facilities with carbon fiber machinery. Voith’s hardware would help Audi produce the R8 sports car and the RS3 compact car in greater quantities for European consumers.

The common bond among these automakers is SGL Carbon SE, which specializes in developing carbon fiber machinery. SGL Carbon SE is among a handful of firms worldwide that have conducted research into carbon fiber necessary to help automakers. BMW’s announcement encouraged major shareholder Susanne Klatten to invest heavily in SGL Carbon SE. Volkswagen and Daimler have invested in the firm recently with Volkswagen buying nearly 10% of available stock. Audi’s partner Voith has invested enough to become SGL’s third largest investor.

This rush into carbon fiber is occurring despite the incredible costs of the material at present. Carbon fiber costs nearly 20 times more per pound than steel. Automakers like BMW are concerned that eco-friendly drive systems will have little impact on fuel economy due to heavy steel frames and batteries. A carbon fiber frame is 50% lighter than a steel frame while reducing emissions during production. Lingering issues like longer production times and difficulties shaping carbon fiber will remain in the early stages of development. BMW, Audi, Volkswagen and other investors in carbon fiber should help improve production processes while creating greater demand for this lightweight material.

The development of industry standards for plug-in vehicle charging has taken a step forward with the development of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance. This organization was established in March 2000 to develop home charging systems that provide Internet and smart energy access through broadband power lines. These lines would allow homeowners and businesses to eliminate redundant lines that add to construction costs while simplifying grid maintenance. The HomePlug Powerline Alliance features more than 65 participants including General Electric, Cisco and Duke Energy. Germany’s five leading automakers joined the mix during a press conference last week.

Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen created the Coordination Office Charging Interface as a unified front for this partnership. German automakers are focused on the HomePlug GP specification that allows plug-in chargers, home electronics and climate control systems to work simultaneously on broadband lines. This layout is built using HomePlug’s AV and IEEE 1901 technologies tested for maximum safety. HomePlug Powerline Alliance works with partner manufacturers to create appliances, electronic hardware and charging units compatible with HomePlug GP. The Coordination Office Charging Interface will no doubt develop educational tools that create a vision of a “smart home” involving plug-in cars developed by German automakers.

Collaboration between HomePlug and German automakers fits into Germany’s commitment to electric vehicle adoption. The German federal government noted recently that only 2,500 electric vehicles were registered in the nation by December 2010. This figure would balloon to one million EVs by 2020 based on a federal initiative involving domestic automakers. German legislators doubled incentives for EV development and adoption in recent initiatives. As financial boosts to the nascent EV market are increased, German automakers and utilities want to reduce barriers to daily use for the typical consumer.

The HomePlug GP specification would reduce concerns about the mechanics of charging plug-in vehicles. Skeptics have stated that adding millions of plug-in vehicles worldwide would strain overtaxed electrical grids. These naysayers would also contend that increased energy consumption from computers, televisions and other electronics would increase emissions at power plants that offset the benefits of EVs. The HomePlug Powerline Alliance streamlines power consumption in the typical home by combining connectivity and power transmission along the same lines. This streamlined system reduces wasted energy and expensive remodeling projects that are problematic for residential and commercial property owners. The commitment of German automakers to HomePlug means that the primary barriers to plug-in adoption remain cost and supply.

The recently concluded Auto Shanghai 2011 featured intriguing concept vehicles like the Buick Envision presented by General Motors. Audi got into the action last week with the unveiling of the A3 e-tron plug-in sedan. This concept hybrid combines an efficient hybrid drive train with an intelligent transmission and lightweight frame to achieve eco-friendly performance. Observers might have been impressed by the A3 e-tron’s look but Audi is lagging behind the competition in terms of green vehicle research and development.

The Audi A3 e-tron was built around a 155kW turbocharged engine that maintains the automaker’s commitment to power. Audi’s engineering team coupled the gas engine with a 20kW electric motor. This motor receives power from a 12kWh lithium-ion battery recharged through regenerative braking as well as a standard plug-in charging system. Representatives from Audi claim that the A3 e-tron can travel up to 34 miles on all-electric power at low speeds.

Performance metrics for Audi’s latest hybrid concept indicate the company’s concern with balancing power with efficiency. The maximum speed of the A3 e-tron is 143 miles per hour, setting the concept ahead of a majority of hybrid concepts. Audi notes that early testing showed a 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds thanks to 175kW of combined engine and motor power. These metrics were not followed by much detail about fuel mileage.

Audi incorporated an innovative S tronic transmission into the A3 e-tron to encourage efficient gear shifts. This seven-speed transmission can be operated as an automatic or transformed into a manual transmission using controls on the steering wheel. Drivers would not deal with stick shifts in the A3 e-tron with buttons controlling manual gear shifts on the central console. Audi also noted drive customization with the dynamic handling system. This feature changes engine and power steering operations using five modes ranging from efficiency to comfort.

Observers at Auto Shanghai 2011 were treated to explanations of Audi’s thermal management system and lightweight frame development. The thermal management system reduces heat loss during operation while storing energy needed to recharge the battery pack. Audi utilized aluminum panels from the hood to the trunk to keep the vehicle’s weight less than 3,800 pounds. These design elements are necessary to improve fuel efficiency though automakers from Honda to Ford have gained ground in terms of vehicle design. The 34-mile electric range cited by Audi is a step forward for the automaker but seems quaint compared to similar concepts from the competition.

Automakers spent last week leaking information about entrants into this week’s 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. Mitsubishi released photos last week of the production version of the i-MiEV displaying at the show. Audi’s preview of the 2011 Q5 Hybrid Quattro SUV was also lauded by industry experts looking for something substantial from the show. The automaker’s first production hybrid will be priced from $37,200 when released next summer.

The 2011 Q5 Hybrid Quattro SUV is capable of achieving about 34 miles per gallon according to Audi. A 2.0 TFSI gas engine combines with an electric motor and 39kW lithium-ion battery for a maximum output of 180kW. Audi notes that the SUV can reach a top speed of 137 miles per hour and achieve 60 miles per hour from a dead stop in 7.1 seconds. Drivers concerned about acceleration at high speeds should note the estimated 50-75 miles per hour time of 5.9 seconds.

Audi lauded the vehicle’s multiple driving modes as a primary reason for fuel economy improvements. Drivers will be able to switch between hybrid, internal combustion engine and all-electric power depending on their driving habits. The vehicle’s boost mode combines the electric motor and engine to enhance acceleration. Audi also states that the recuperate mode allows the battery to recharge using brake energy during deceleration.

A major selling point for the 2011 Q5 Hybrid Quattro SUV will be the MMI Navigation system. This dashboard navigation system allows the driver to access directions and maps through Google Earth. Drivers will also be able to request charts defining fuel consumption, battery charge and overall vehicle performance. The MMI Navigation system also features 60 GB of memory for saved maps and music. Audi has also added a WLAN hot spot in the Q5 Hybrid that provides mobile Internet access for up to eight computers and PDAs.

Attendees at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show no doubt saw Audi’s first hybrid as a long-delayed release rather than an innovative product. Audi has been slow to catch up with the rest of the marketplace in putting out a production hybrid. This first hybrid entry into the Audi fleet seems to focus more on flash than substance. The 2011 Q5 Hybrid Quattro SUV has great connectivity for motorists who need to stay in touch on the road. Mediocre performance metrics along with an all-electric range of only two miles per charge will not appease consumers interested in greener vehicles.

Audi’s presentation at the recently closed Paris Motor Show included a range-extended concept version of the Spyder. This two-seat sports car was shown as a demonstration of the automaker’s latest innovations. The e-tron Spyder also provides evidence to skeptics that a plug-in sports car could not only be possible in the near future but marketable. The most notable aspect of this concept is that it could achieve up to 621 miles per trip thanks to a plug-in hybrid drive system.

The e-tron Spyder is powered by a V6 diesel engine with 221kW output as well as two electric motors that produce 64kW. Audi also utilized a 9.1kWh lithium-ion battery to facilitate all-electric travel. Designers refined the vehicle’s brake system to ensure faster response times along with shorter braking distances. These brakes also collect excess energy during deceleration and full stops to recharge the battery pack. The Audi hybrid drive system shifts most of the torque to the rear axle for improved performance.

Estimated performance for the e-tron Spyder would surpass even the best hybrids on the road today. Audi estimates that the concept could achieve 107 miles per gallon based on lab testing. This fuel economy rating would be due in part to an all-electric range of 31 miles per charge. Another reason for this high rating is an electronically limited maximum speed of 155 miles per hour. The e-tron Spyder could travel on all-electric power at speeds up to 37 miles per hour. The automaker claims that its latest concept could hit 60 miles per hour from a dead stop in 4.4 seconds.

This sports car of the future achieves high speeds and improved fuel economy thanks to the Audi Space Frame. Audi designed the e-tron Spyder using recycled aluminum panels and carbon components. These elements keep the car under 3,200 pounds so that the drive train is not bogged down with extra weight. The Audi Space Frame is also designed low to the ground to reduce wind resistance at high speeds. The e-tron Spyder will not be replicated part for part but Audi is working to combine efficient propulsion with existing approaches to body design.