Two Ford vehicles earn spot on kbb.com Back-to-School list

Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com has announced its picks for the 2011 Top 10 Back-to-School Cars, a mix of both new and used cars and trucks. Ford has two vehicles on the list, the 2012 Focus and 2007 F-150. Young drivers love the Focus, kbb says, because "it looks cool on the outside, modern on the inside, handles with more than a hint of sportiness and offers advanced audio and information technology." For those who subscribe to "bigger is better," kbb says the 2007 F-150 is their back-to-school ride. It "boasts five-star NHTSA front crash ratings, beefy good looks and all the practical hauling and towing abilities afforded by a proper pickup truck."

Choosing a car for yourself - that's one thing. It's an important decision more than worthy of a few hours of research and rumination. But choosing a car for your child - that's a far more important decision, because that car will transport your most precious possession. The decision on which vehicle is the right back-to-school car for your child is a critical one, and we at Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com keep that in mind when our experts put their heads together to compile this list. The car for your child must be safe, affordable and versatile. It would also be nice if it were fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive and good-looking, too. Oh, and did we mention reliable and inexpensive to own? All these factors are rolled into the following list of the Top 10 Best Back-to-School Cars for 2011.

Our annual list spotlights five new and five used vehicles because each has its own merits. The new cars are all available at a Fair Purchase Price under $18,000, while the used vehicles are all 2007 model year and newer with a Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value of less than $12,000 (with base-level equipment and average mileage).

Audi Leads List of Consumers Top Rated Vehicles on Edmunds.com

Audi led all automotive brands by winning four categories in Edmunds.com’s 2011 Consumers’ Top RatedSM vehicles. The German luxury make earned the top nod for Best Coupe $35K-$45K (2011 Audi A5), Best Coupe Over $45K (2011 Audi S5), Best Wagon $35K-$45K (2011 Audi A4 Wagon) and Best SUV $35K-$45K (2011 Audi Q5).

“It’s clear that the owners of Audi’s 2011 lineup of vehicles are very satisfied with their purchases,” said Scott Oldham, editor-in-chief at Edmunds.com. “It’s also just as clear that Edmunds.com visitors continue to rate European and Japanese brands higher than their U.S. and Korean counterparts. European and Japanese models won 75 percent of our categories.”

To see all 21 winners of the 2011 Consumers Top Rated vehicles, please visit the awards page at http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/2011-consumers-top-rated.html.

Audi of America Partners with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences For the Primetime Emmy® Awards

Audi of America is honored to announce that it will serve as the official automotive partner of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences beginning with the 63rd Primetime Emmy® Awards taking place on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at the Nokia Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles and airing on FOX. This multi-year partnership will take place across numerous platforms, expanding upon the brand’s continuous support of the entertainment industry.

Audi will participate in select Television Academy events celebrating this year’s Primetime Emmy® Award nominees, including the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy® Awards on September 10, the Red Carpet rollout for the Primetime Emmy® telecast and Governor’s Ball preview on September 14, and the Performers’ Nominee Reception on September 16. The Primetime Emmy® Awards honors excellence in all aspects of national television programming – from such categories as writing, directing and performance, to costume design, cinematography, lighting and music. The winners are annually selected by 15,000 industry professionals who are voting members of the Television Academy.

“Audi is honored to support the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in recognizing exceptional talent in television,” said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. “The brand has become a key player within the entertainment industry and has a longstanding history as a friend of the arts, making this partnership a perfect fit. What better way to celebrate some of the greatest talent in the television industry than with a car company that produces only the very best automobiles that truly epitomize the luxury and glamour of Hollywood.”

Audi, one of the top luxury automakers in the world, has had numerous successful partnerships with high-profile entertainment brands including the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), the “Iron Man” film franchise, The Weinstein Company, and more. Audi is supporting its sponsorship of the Primetime Emmy® Awards with a fleet of stunning Audi vehicles including the all-new A6 and A7, along with the Audi A8, the brand’s luxury flagship sedan, which will chauffeur select guests to the show and to additional events throughout the television awards season.

Additionally, Audi will once again host its annual pre-Emmy® Awards celebration on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at Cecconi’s in West Hollywood. The brand has become known for its exclusive star-studded parties to kick off awards week, and this year Audi will be making a donation to Tuesday’s Children in honor of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Tuesday's Children is a non-profit family service organization that has made a long term commitment to every individual impacted by the events of September 11, 2001, including the families of 9/11 victims and the heroic first responders.

The 63rd Primetime Emmy® Awards will air live coast to coast on Sunday, September 18th (8PM, ET/ 5PM, PT) on FOX and will originate from the Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles. The awards will be produced by Mark Burnett and hosted by Jane Lynch.

Audi driver Mattias Ekstrom commandingly wins

In the duel against Mercedes-Benz Audi has raised the score of victories to 4-2. In front of 86,500 spectators (throughout the weekend) Mattias Ekström in the Audi A4 DTM of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline was in a class of his own at the Nürburgring. From the pole position the Swede achieved an advantage of 5.533 seconds over the leader of the standings, Bruno Spengler, and celebrated his 15th DTM victory that was never at risk in the race.

Exactly 63 weeks or 441 days Mattias Ekström had to wait for this day. The last DTM race won by the Audi driver had been at Valencia at the end of May 2010. “That was a very long time,” said the Swede after his triumph at the Nürburgring. “This success feels incredibly good. I’m very happy for the team that suffered a great deal of misfortune in the first half of the season. This weekend Audi Sport and Abt were right on the mark. All I had to do was drive ...”

Almost up to the end of the race Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline was even heading for a one-two result at the Nürburgring. Up to the penultimate lap Mike Rockenfeller was running in second place before, under pressure from Bruno Spengler, the wheels of his Audi A4 DTM locked as he was braking into turn one. “I was having problems with grip on the rear wheels and changed the brake balance,” explained Rockenfeller. “But that’s not meant to be an excuse. I’m sorry for the team – something like this simply mustn’t happen on the penultimate lap.”

Places four and five went to Timo Scheider and Martin Tomczyk (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) who switched positions in a fierce duel on the 20th lap. The runner-up in the standings, Tomczyk, had started well from position seven on the grid but was hit by Mercedes driver Jamie Green in the commotion on lap one. The front end of his Audi A4 DTM was damaged in the incident. Tomczyk nonetheless managed to secure fifth place and as the best driver of a year-old car scored important points in the title fight. Before the remaining four races the German as the best Audi driver remains within a striking distance to Bruno Spengler, ranking seven points behind him in the overall classification.

With Edoardo Mortara on position seven a fifth Audi driver scored points. Audi Sport Team Rosberg had to repair the Italian’s A4 DTM after an incident in the morning’s warm-up session when a kerb along the track had come loose and caused considerable damage to the left-hand side of the vehicle. The two points which Mortara clinched as the best DTM rookie in the field were a nice reward for the extra work.

Mortara’s team-mate Filipe Albuquerque in ninth place just barely missed scoring a point. Oliver Jarvis managed to recover from position 15 on the grid to tenth place. Miguel Molina and Rahel Frey occupied places twelve and 16 in the race that was very turbulent at times.

“Overall, it was a great team performance,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Mattias Ekström and his A4 DTM were in a league of their own this weekend. And Team Abt showed perfect pit stops. It’s a shame that Martin Tomczyk lost a few points. But we’re happy that after the body contact with Jamie Green on lap one he was able to even finish the race.”

Audi of America Partners with San Francisco Mayor Lee and Union Square Business Improvement District to Inaugurate Powell Street Promenade

Audi of America joined San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and formally opened Powell Street Promenade — a new and innovative pedestrian space in the heart of San Francisco’s downtown as part of a partnership between the City & County of San Francisco, and the Union Square Business Improvement District (BID).

The Powell Street Promenade has transformed two blocks between Ellis and Geary Streets, along the famed Powell Street cable car line, addressing overcrowding by creating an enjoyable public space to eat, chat and relax. It also provides visitors and residents with a comfortable place to plan their visit out of the bustle of the corridor. This vibrant pedestrian corridor is one of the busiest in the nation and is typically traveled by more than 100,000 people on an average weekend. The Powell Street Promenade is the largest ‘Parklet’ installation in the City.

“Audi is taking its passion for efficiency and sustainability even further with its involvement in the revitalization of Powell Street in San Francisco,” said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer for Audi of America. “This is an exciting and important project for the people of San Francisco and as a global hub of art and aesthetic, it seemed only natural that Audi – who remains steadfast in its commitment to progressive design and innovation – partner with the City of San Francisco to re-imagine this iconic area.”

Audi of America partnered with the City & County of San Francisco and the Union Square BID to provide the necessary funds and guidance on the cutting-edge and modern design of the Powell Street Promenade. Designed by Walter Hood of Hood Design Studio, the overall aesthetic of the promenade is guided by a forward-thinking, people-friendly, environmentally-conscious philosophy. By repurposing the on-street loading lanes along these two blocks of Powell Street, the Promenade provides six additional feet of continuous pedestrian space and adds amenities such as custom designed aluminum benches, planters, tables, rails, landscaping, bike parking, and other pedestrian-friendly features. Low-energy Light Emitting Diodes (LED) lights will illuminate the space through power collected from solar panels. All landscaping is drought tolerant and materials used are designed to be long-lasting and reusable. People utilizing this Promenade will also have access to free Wi-Fi; which was installed as part of the project. Audi used the same principles that define the brand’s innovative approach to car making throughout this process. The Union Square BID will maintain the Promenade and keep it clean and activated.

Additional details can be found at www.progressonpowell.com. Audi and its San Francisco advertising agency Venables Bell & Partners worked closely to bring the project to life.

The best of two worlds - the Audi A6 hybrid

Power like a V6, fuel consumption like a four-cylinder car – the Audi A6 hybrid, coming on the market in 2012, combines the best of two worlds. Its gasoline engine, a 2.0 TFSI, and the electric motor can briefly generate 180 kW (245 hp) of system power and 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft) of torque. Despite the high and spontaneous generation of power, the average rate of fuel consumption in the standard cycle is below 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.75 US mpg). The sedan can travel up to a speed of 100 km/h (62.14 mph) on electric power alone, and cover around three kilometers (1.86 miles) with zero local emissions at a speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph).

For use in the Audi A6 hybrid the 2.0 TFSI underwent modifications in several areas. The alternator as an ancillary unit has been dropped, while the crankshaft bearing and the fine tuning of the turbocharger were adapted to the new requirements. A secondary air system at the cylinder head makes sure that the exhaust gas treatment cuts in particularly fast. Integrated in the engine control unit, the hybrid manager controls the efficient change and smooth transitions between the operating modes, and was fully developed by Audi alone.

A largely modified eight-speed tiptronic serves the power transmission, without the aid of a torque converter. Its place is taken by the disk-shaped electric motor. This is combined with a multi-plate clutch operating in the oil bath and joining or separating the electric motor and the TFSI. Controlled by intelligent management, the clutch operates ultra-precisely, gently and fast in all situations.

The highly comfortable and fast-shifting hybrid transmission, which guides the engine torque to the front wheels, greatly contributes to the efficiency of the Audi A6 hybrid – its gears are widely spread. When the 2.0 TFSI is deactivated, an electric pump maintains the oil pressure in the hydraulic system to safeguard the convenient start-stop feature.

Power electronics and electric motor
The power electronics, in the form of a pulse-controlled inverter, serve as a controller between the battery, which outputs direct current, and the electric motor, which operates on alternating current. Water-cooled by a separate low-temperature circuit, the component is distinguished by its low volume and weight. The power electronics include a DC/DC converter that couples the consumers in the 12V electrical system with the high-voltage network.

A permanent magnet synchronous machine serves as an electric motor, as a starter and – during deceleration – as a generator. It briefly outputs up to 40 kW (54 hp) of power and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft) of torque. The electric motor is integrated in the cooling circuit of the TFSI engine.

Battery
A lithium-ion battery system, weighing a mere 36.7 kg (80.91 lb), serves as the energy store for the electric motor of the Audi A6 hybrid. The compact battery, which takes up only 26 liters (0.92 cubic ft) of space, is located in the collision-protected area under the luggage compartment; the luggage capacity remains an impressive 375 liters (13.24 cubic ft), and can be enlarged to 850 liters (30.02 cubic ft) thanks to the standard folding rear seat backrests. The battery consists of 72 cells; at 266 volts its normal energy is 1.3 kWh and its power 40 kW.

The lithium-ion battery is cooled by air in two ways, depending on the requirement. At low-temperature load, it draws temperate air from the vehicle interior by way of a fan. If its temperature exceeds a certain limit, a separate refrigerant circuit is activated. It is coupled to the climate control system of the Audi A6 hybrid and uses a separate evaporator. This powerful active cooling system greatly helps the sedan to travel relatively long distances on electric power alone.

Operating modes
The driver can decide which operating mode the Audi A6 should use – one of three driving modes can be selected at the press of a button on the center console or by means of the automatic selector lever. The EV characteristic map gives priority to the electric drive, while the D mode efficiently controls both the engine and the electric motor. The S mode and the tiptronic gate are designed for a sporty driving style. The hybrid sedan has five operating states: Driving with the combustion engine alone, with the electric drive alone or in hybrid mode is possible, as are recuperation and boosting.

Both drive sources are deactivated when the vehicle is stationary. In this convenient start/stop mode the automatic air conditioning remains active – its compressor has an electric drive. Once the driver releases the brake, the A6 hybrid starts rolling. It can be driven up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) under electric power – and therefore with no local emissions.

At a constant 60 km/h (37.28 mph) up to three kilometers (1.86 miles) can be traveled – enough for many residential areas and inner cities.

When the accelerator is pressed beyond a certain threshold, the internal combustion engine takes over the drive function. At lower revs this engine will temporarily have a heavier load than is required for the drive – the load point shifts to a higher range and the efficiency improves. The excess torque benefits the electric motor, which then serves as a generator to recharge the battery and power the consumers.

In quick acceleration, or “boosting,” the electric motor operates together with the TFSI; at full throttle in the S mode the full system output is briefly available. The hybrid drive then supplies the propulsion power of a large, naturally aspirated engine, but with far more efficiency.

When the driver releases the accelerator, the electric motor serves as a generator again. In most situations the TFSI is then decoupled from the drive system, so as not to cause any drag losses. The electricity recovered by the electric motor when coasting and during braking is buffered in the lithium-ion battery.

If the driver only slightly brakes, the electric motor performs the deceleration itself; in more forceful braking the hydraulic braking system is simultaneously activated. Its brake booster has a second power supply through an electric vacuum pump. A complex rule-based strategy adapts the braking to the conditions of electric driving and energy recuperation. As elsewhere in the A6 family, an electromechanical unit serves as the power steering.

Operation
The Audi A6 hybrid comes with a display concept for making the driving states of the hybrid drive tangible to the driver. The tachometer on the instrument cluster has been replaced by a power meter, with a needle that indicates the total system output on a scale of 0 to 100 percent. A second scale is divided into colored segments – the green and orange sections clearly indicate the drive mode currently used by the sedan.

Operational readiness, recuperation, electric driving, boosting and ignition are indicated. An additional instrument displays the charge level of the lithium-ion battery.

At the same time, the energy flow display clearly depicts the mode of operation and active components of the hybrid drive. The driver can call up the graphic via the driver information system and in the MMI navigation plus display. The MMI screen gives a clearly arranged bar graph of the average consumption and recuperation quantity in five-minute increments.

Exterior
The Audi A6 hybrid is distinguished by the subtle differentiation on the outside. The tailgate, the fenders and the sill panel strips bear the hybrid lettering. The exclusive Arctic Silver, metallic paint finish is available. The 17-inch cast wheels feature a ten-arm turbine design – their ten spokes resemble turbine blades. The tires have the size 225/55 R17. Two-tone 18-inch wheels of size 245/45 R18 are optionally available in the same design typical of the hybrid vehicles.

The Audi A6 hybrid is based on the familiar A6 Sedan and embodies the same lightweight design technologies. At 1,770 kilograms (3,902 lb), it will be the lightest hybrid in its competiti.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany.
Performance
Directly mounted behind one another, the 2.0 TFSI and the electric motor of the Audi A6 hybrid form a parallel hybrid system. Together the two units have a brief system output of 180 kW (245 hp) and a system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). The sedan accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 238 km/h (147.89 mph). In the European standard driving cycle, the Audi A6 hybrid consumes less than 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.75 US mpg) – that equals CO2 emissions of less than 146 grams per km (234.96 g/mile). The 73-liter (19.28 US gallon) fuel tank ensures a long range. (These performance and consumption data are provisional)

Drivetrain
The 2.0 TFSI in the Audi A6 hybrid has a displacement of 1,984 cc. The engine has an output of 155 kW (211 hp), with a maximum torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) at 1,500 to 4,200 rpm. In the typical Audi manner, the four-cylinder engine combines three potent efficiency technologies: FSI gasoline direct injection, turbocharging and the Audi valvelift system (AVS). The AVS further increases power, torque and efficiency by switching the stroke of the exhaust valves between two stages depending on the load and engine speed.

Ford trials complimentary live Operator Assist

DEARBORN, Mich., June 11, 2011 – Getting directions or finding a business using SYNC^® Services has become even easier thanks to a new feature called Operator Assist that allows users to instantly connect with a live person.

 

Operator Assist is only a voice command away, making it part of the growing list of cloud-based driver aids offered by Ford Motor Company. The new feature provides customers with the ability to safely connect with a live person who can quickly access information databases to help drivers get where they’re going.

 

Operator Assist is currently in a beta test trial phase and being offered as a complimentary feature for registered users of SYNC Services. No additional software or hardware is needed.

 

“Ford is committed to continuously improving the ownership experience and delivering the level of connectivity that customers want,” said Doug VanDagens, director, Ford Connected Services Solutions Organization. “By leveraging what’s available in the cloud, we continue to innovate and improve our customers’ experience without having to touch the vehicle or inconvenience the owner.”

 

How it works

Cloud-based, on-demand, voice-activated SYNC Services provides access to information about traffic, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, stock quotes, and movie listings along with business searches and turn-by-turn directions.

 

Operator Assist is available for the directions and business search functions of SYNC Services. Seventy percent of all SYNC Services calls are for business search and directions, said David Gersabeck, product manager, SYNC Services.

 

Using advanced vehicle sensors, integrated GPS technology and comprehensive map and traffic data, the SYNC Services automated system delivers turn-by-turn directions to the user. Further, with access to more than 14 million business listings, SYNC Services’ automated system directs users to the businesses they seek.

 

Now, with Operator Assist, at any time during a business search or directions interaction between the user and the SYNC Services automated system, the user can say, “Operator,” confirm his or her request to speak with an operator, and connect to a live operator. This system gives Ford customers the choice of interfacing with a live operator or utilizing the interactive voice recognition system.

 

“Our customers asked for additional assistance in situations where their voice request was not understood,” said Gersabeck. “If you want the most reliable user experience, enabling alternative methods for customers to access information will increase success, which is where Operator Assist factors into the equation.”

 

In the event a user says an address or business that the automated system can’t identify, the user will be prompted with the option to connect to a live operator. If the user confirms he or she would like to speak with an operator for further assistance, the system automatically connects the user to the live operator.

 

When a live operator assists with a business search, the user can choose to receive turn-by-turn directions to the business, receive a text message with name, address and phone number information about the business (applies to certain phone carrier networks), or be directly connected to the phone number of the business.

 

When a live operator assists with address entry, the user can have the directions sent directly to the vehicle.

 

“We want Ford SYNC Services customers to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can get where they’re going or want to go,” said Gersabeck. “Being able to connect with a live person at any time contributes to that peace of mind.”

 

The live operator services are provided by MyAssist, a leading live assistance and telematics service company for individuals and businesses based in Stevens Point, Wis.