LA Auto Show: Audi Adds 4.2-Liter V8 To Allroad Quattro

    LOS ANGELES, Jan. 4, 2003; The Audi allroad quattro demonstrates
the well-executed combination of luxury-class comfort, performance and
elegance -- with full-fledged off-road capabilities.  Combining the "best of
both worlds" since its successful market launch in 2000, the Audi allroad
quattro 4.2 will soon offer the added benefit of full V8 power.
    Customers may choose between the capable 250-horsepower V6 and the newly
optional Audi 4.2-liter V8, an engine with proven sporting performance.  In
allroad adaptation, the Audi 4.2-liter V8 develops 300 hp and a constant
torque of 280 lbs. ft. between 2700 and 4600 revolutions per minute.
    The exceptional blend of the allroad vehicle concept -- featuring four-
level air suspension, quattro(R) permanent all-wheel drive, and Tiptronic(R)
automatic transmission with Dynamic Shift Program -- is further enhanced by
the addition of the V8 engine.  The allroad quattro 4.2 accelerates from 0-60
miles per hour in just 6.9 seconds, with an electronically governed top speed
of 130 mph.
    To retain off-road capability, particularly when entering and exiting
inclines and declines, the allroad quattro carries a front body overhang that
is 1.45 inches shorter than the A6, also available with a 4.2-liter V8.  To
incorporate the 4.2-liter V8 into the allroad quattro, the toothed belt
previously found at the engine's front end has been replaced by a chain drive
at the rear, and two controllable electric cooler fans take the place of the
large viscous fan at the front of the vehicle.  Compared with the toothed-belt
engine, the length of the already unusually compact Audi V8 engine has thus
been reduced further by 2.05 in.
    The rear chain of the allroad quattro 4.2-liter V8 drives the water pump,
oil pump, hydraulic pump and air-conditioning compressor.  The transfer of the
drive moments to these ancillary devices takes place via axle shafts.  The
four camshafts are driven maintenance-free by chains.
    Through the use of magnesium components, engine weight has been reduced
some 11 pounds compared to other Audi eight-cylinder engines.  A two-stage
variable intake manifold made from magnesium guarantees maximum engine output
at higher speeds and ample low-end torque.  Continuous camshaft control also
contributes toward 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 Motronic(R) system 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 optimizes the relationship between torque and fuel
consumption, as well as the exhaust emission values.
    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.
    Coupled with the allroad's engineering breakthroughs is a sleek, polished
design that nevertheless conveys the car's rugged underpinnings.  Assertive
exterior lines maintain the character of the Avant body style, emphasizing the
close link between the allroad's off-road personality and the sophistication
of a German touring car.  Being an Audi, the allroad's sporty elegance
continues throughout the luxurious cabin to meet Audi owners' highest
expectations.  Add seating for seven adults and up to 73.2 cubic feet of cargo
area with a split-fold rear seat, and the result is a vehicle so unique it
could only be from Audi.
    Key to the versatility of the allroad is its height-adjustable,
electronically controlled pneumatic suspension.  This innovation provides four
ground-clearance levels and automatic load leveling to adjust to a range of
passenger and cargo weights, including trailer tongue and towing weight.
    The suspension can be raised or lowered on demand by the driver with a
simple push of corresponding buttons on a control panel at the top of the
center console.  The suspension automatically lowers at predetermined vehicle
speeds, while a delay circuit allows for frequently varying road speeds, such
as temporary speed reductions for construction zones.
    The benefit of maximum ground clearance is only realized if a vehicle can
effectively navigate through varying terrain.  For this, the allroad takes
full advantage of its quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.  With both
front and rear axles constantly engaged, each tire exerts more force on the
road -- both in cornering and straight-line driving.  A Torsen(R) self-locking
center differential delivers up to two-thirds of the engine's power to either
axle, as needed, while Electronic Differential Locks (EDL) engage at road
speeds up to 58 mph to maintain progress even if only one tire has traction.
    Adding to the allroad quattro's stability is the latest generation of the
Audi four-link front suspension with a built-in self-centering effect that is
especially critical on rugged terrain.  In the rear, the double-wishbone
suspension is designed for directional stability and maximum ride comfort.
The dimensions of the allroad quattro amplify its off-road capabilities.  At
189.4 inches, it is 2.7 inches shorter than the Audi A6 Avant, and it has a
width of 76.1 inches, which includes its larger exterior mirrors.
    A "Sport-mode" setting on the automatic transmission adds another level of
performance to the allroad quattro.  With the gear selector in the "S"
position of the shift gate, the transmission holds gears longer and downshifts
sooner, resulting in a more performance-oriented shift pattern.
    The allroad quattro is fitted with unique tires made with silicate
formulas and a structure that easily adapts to a full spectrum of surface
conditions.  The 245/45R 18-in. high-performance tires are only available on
the allroad quattro 4.2 and are accented by 7.5 J x 18 five-spoke hollow-spoke
wheels.  17-in. wheels and tires are optional.
    Superior design gives the Audi allroad quattro a critical advantage over
off-road vehicles that use more conventional designs.  A unique load-bearing
body shell is torsionally rigid, surrounded by programmed, impact-absorbing
crumple zones for extra protection.
    The allroad features several safety features, including Audi
SIDEGUARD(TM), a side-impact protection system that deploys two curtain
airbags from the roof liner, covering the A- and B-pillars and side glass.
Next-generation dual-threshold driver and front passenger airbags with sensor-
activated deployment and side airbags built into the front seatbacks are all
standard, with side airbags for outboard rear seats optional.
    All seating positions employ three-point safety belts with automatic
pretensioners and adjustable head restraints.  The front safety belts can be
adjusted to occupant height, while force limiters reduce chest loads.  The two
rear outboard seats have the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
system to secure child safety seats.
    Additionally, an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and the Electronic
Stabilization Program (ESP(R)) are standard equipment.  By constant monitoring
of wheel rotation speeds, steering angle, yaw rate and lateral acceleration,
ESP applies selective wheel braking to correct any under- or oversteer.  ESP
also intervenes if the vehicle begins to skid.
    Improving vision and visibility are two front and two rear fog lights,
electrically heated power-adjusted exterior mirrors, bumper flush-mount
headlight washers, heated windshield washer jets and active reflectors visible
at all open doors and rear deck lid.  A first aid kit and an emergency warning
triangle are also standard, as in every Audi.
    Seats developed exclusively for the allroad quattro provide firm lateral
support during rigorous off-road and athletic on-road maneuvers.  Both the
driver and front passenger can optimize individual comfort with 12-way power
seats -- including power lumbar adjustment -- and dual climate controls.  The
quiet and highly efficient automatic climate control utilizes a solar-
intensity sensor and unique micro-filtration system to screen out pollen, dust
and odors.
    The allroad quattro 4.2 offers substantive option packages, including a
Premium Package with Xenon high-intensity discharge headlights, memory feature
for the driver's seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror with digital compass,
electrically folding and auto-dimming exterior mirrors and a power sunroof.
The Warm Weather Package adds a solar sunroof and rear side-window sun shades.
    The Cold Weather Package features heated front and rear seats, a heated
multi-function steering wheel and a ski sack.  The Infotainment Package
includes Audi Telematics by OnStar(R) and a Bose(R) 200-watt premium sound
system with subwoofer.
    Stand-alone options include a Motorola(R) hands-free telephone, the
Parktronic(TM) acoustic parking system to help the driver when maneuvering in
tight spaces, 17-in. five-spoke alloy wheels with twin-spoke dimensional
effect, a tire pressure monitoring system, full body-color paint and the Audi
Navigation System.