10 Things You Did Not Know About Audi

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Audi, one of the luxury brands under the Volkswagen Group, has a rich history and plenty of fascinating facts that might even surprise dedicated car enthusiasts. Known for its distinctive design, sophistication, and cutting-edge features, Audi continues to push the boundaries of automotive innovation. While the brand has long been a staple in the industry, it consistently leads the way in adopting and developing the latest technology. Here are ten interesting facts about Audi that you may not have known:

1. The history behind the name

As Audi history has it, automotive pioneer August Horch founded the August Horch Automobilwerke in 1909 in Germany. After a short time, he encountered legal challenges over the use of his name, "Horch," which had become a trademark of his previous company. To resolve this issue, Horch needed a new name for his new venture. During a meeting with his business partners, the son of one of the partners suggested translating "Horch" into Latin. In the German language, Horch means to hear or listen, and the Latin word for Horch is Audi. This is how the Audi Automobilwerke came into being. The name has since become synonymous with luxury, performance, and cutting-edge automotive technology, cementing Audi's place as one of the leading car manufacturers in the world.

2. Audi was the first company to crash-test their cars

One of the most fascinating aspects of Audi's history is that it was the first automobile company to conduct crash tests on its vehicles in 1938. The testing methods back then were far from the advanced techniques used today—there were no crash test dummies or high-tech impact sensors. Instead, Audi engineers would roll an Audi F7 down a hill in front of an audience to demonstrate vehicle safety. This pioneering approach laid the foundation for modern crash testing and set a new standard for the automotive industry. Audi’s dedication to improving vehicle safety has only strengthened over time, establishing the company as a leader in advanced safety technology.

3. Uniting for excellence: the formation of Audi AG

The establishment of Audi AG in 1932 marked a milestone in the automotive industry by uniting the expertise of four well-established manufacturers: Audi, Horch, DKW, and Wanderer. Audi focused on mid-size luxury vehicles, while Horch concentrated on high-end cars. Wanderer produced traditional mid-size vehicles, and DKW specialized in motorcycles and compact models. This merger, symbolized by the iconic four rings on the Audi logo, was designed to form a powerful unit dedicated to innovation and excellence in automotive engineering. To experience the perfection, innovation, and performance Audi is known for, consider exploring Audi lease deals.

4. The race car of Auto Union

In 1938, Auto Union developed a groundbreaking race car known as the V16. Designed in collaboration with Ferdinand Porsche, this car was equipped with a supercharged 6.0-liter V16 engine, producing 520 horsepower and reaching speeds of up to 211 mph. At the time, its revolutionary rear mid-engine layout, with the driver positioned in front of the engine, was a novel concept that greatly improved performance. Throughout the 1930s, Auto Union's race cars dominated Grand Prix events, winning the majority of races and setting records that would stand for decades.

5. Audi R8

The R8 represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering, crafted exclusively by the Silverliners—an elite group of specialists known for their exceptional skill and experience. Despite their expertise, assembling an R8 is no small feat, taking an incredible 70 hours due to its nearly 5,000 individual components. For performance, the latest models are powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine producing 602 horsepower, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of over 200 mph. Additionally, the R8 features Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system, delivering outstanding traction, precise handling, and an unrivaled driving experience—cementing its status as a true flagship of innovation and performance.

6. The ‘Quattro’ project

Before the 1970s, Audi was considered a conservative brand. To change this perception, the company introduced an all-wheel-drive rally car. The Quattro system was developed using technology borrowed from a German military-inspired off-road truck, leading to the creation of the Audi Quattro—a game-changer in rally sport. Vehicles equipped with the Quattro system dominated championships, proving its effectiveness and establishing Audi as an industry leader in innovation and engineering. The Quattro project became a milestone in automotive history, leaving a lasting impact on the development of all-wheel-drive systems across the industry.

7. Victories in Le Mans

Audi has achieved remarkable success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, making history with both diesel and hybrid race cars. In 2006, the Audi R10 TDI became the first diesel-powered vehicle to win this prestigious event, proving the durability and efficiency of diesel engines in endurance racing. Building on this legacy of innovation, Audi became the first to claim victory at Le Mans with a hybrid vehicle in 2012. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro combined a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric motor, showcasing Audi’s commitment to advancing automotive technology and solidifying its dominance in endurance racing.

8. Unmanned car

In 2010, a driverless Audi successfully conquered Pikes Peak. Named Shelly, after Michele Mouton—the first woman to win the Pikes Peak Hill Climb and a World Rally Championship (WRC) winner—the autonomous vehicle demonstrated cutting-edge sensor and artificial intelligence technology. Navigating the challenging course without human input provided a glimpse into the future of self-driving cars. This milestone not only highlighted Audi’s engineering expertise but also marked a significant step toward next-generation autonomous driving technology, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation.

9. The first German automaker to have introduced a left-hand drive

An unmanned Audi successfully conquered Pikes Peak in 2010. Named Shelly, after Michele Mouton—the first woman to win the Pikes Peak Hill Climb and a World Rally Championship (WRC) winner—the autonomous car showcased state-of-the-art sensors and artificial intelligence technology. It navigated the challenging route entirely without human input, proving the potential of self-driving vehicles. This achievement not only highlighted Audi's technical expertise but also set a new benchmark for advancements in autonomous driving, reinforcing the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation.

10. Audi was the first to use a dual-clutch gearbox

Most high-performance vehicles today, including those from Audi, feature quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmissions. However, it’s worth noting that Audi was a pioneer in introducing this technology. The dual-clutch transmission was first applied in the prototype gearbox of the Audi Quattro S1 E2. This system uses two independent clutches for odd and even gear pairs, allowing for seamless and rapid gear shifts without interrupting power delivery. Not only did this innovation enhance driving dynamics and efficiency, but it also set a new standard in the automotive industry, solidifying Audi’s reputation as a leader in technological advancement.