Audi Builds 5 Millionth Quattro-Equipped Vehicle

NASHUA, N.H., March 4, 2013 — Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive technology was probably first etched into consumers' minds when it helped an Audi 100 CS climb a massive ski jump in Finland for a popular 1980s commercial. Fast-forward three decades and the quattro drive system has now reached a more figurative peak, with the 5 millionth quattro-equipped Audi recently rolling off the assembly line.

The milestone-reaching quattro-equipped vehicle was a white Audi allroad built at the luxury automaker's Neckarsulm, Germany, plant. Continuously upgraded and refined for a wide variety of models since its introduction in 1980, quattro technology currently comes standard on the Audi allroad, Q7 and R8, as well as on all S and RS trims, and it is an option across the rest of the brand's lineup. The advanced all-wheel-drive system remains more popular than ever, with a record 43 percent of Audi's global customers selecting a quattro model last year.

"Audi customers in the Granite State have depended on the quattro system for years to get them anywhere they need to go during our brutal winters," said Larry Bedell, general manager of Audi of Nashua, an Audi dealer in New Hampshire. "Right about now, though, they're probably looking forward to using quattro technology in some warmer weather on drier roads, because they'll still benefit from its outstanding grip during their weekend joyrides in the spring and summer."

While the quattro drive system helped change the luxury market when it debuted 33 years ago, Audi is now trying to do the same thing for plug-in hybrid drivetrains with the development of its new e-tron technology. Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show this month, the Audi A3 e-tron may be a glimpse of what the automaker's first production plug-in hybrid will look like in a year or so, though an on-sale date has not been set.

The Audi A3 e-tron hatchback connects a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine to a disc-shaped electric motor through a clutch, enabling a total system output of 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Designed to maintain the performance that Audi fans expect, the sporty plug-in hybrid can go from zero to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 138 mph, yet it can travel up to 31 miles on electric power alone and return an equivalent of 188 mpg on the European cycle.

"Audi's quattro wasn't the first all-wheel-drive system when it debuted, but it raised the bar for how the technology was used in production cars, and now Audi will do the same for plug-in hybrid drivetrains with its e-tron system," Bedell noted. "Audi has put in the time and effort to make sure that its e-tron models will not only be among the most efficient plug-ins on the market, but also just as fun to drive as the rest of its lineup."

About Audi of Nashua:
A five-time winner of Audi's prestigious Magna Society award, Audi of Nashua invites those in search of the world's finest vehicles to explore its inventory of new and used Audi cars for sale. New Hampshire Audi owners will also find a complete selection of Audi parts and accessories, as well as expert Audi service from factory-trained technicians. Discover the quality, performance and engineering that make every Audi special by checking their inventory at www.audinashua.com, liking them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/audiofnashua, or calling their dealership, located at 170 Main Dunstable Road in Nashua, N.H., at 888-475-5701.