quattro GmbH

quattro GmbH

Type	Private company, wholly owned subsidiary of AUDI AG[1][2]
Industry	Automotive
Founded	Neckarsulm, Germany (October 1983)[1][2]
Headquarters	Neckarsulm, Germany
Number of locations	one 3,500 m2 site at Neckarsulm
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Stephan Winkelmann CEO
Products	High-performance luxury automobiles,[2] roadwheels and suspension components, specialist body styling parts, automotive consumer goods
Services	Automotive design, testing, production, research and development
Operating income	€220 million (2004)
Owner	Volkswagen Group
Number of employees	580 (plus 250 additional R8 employees) (2009)[1][2]
Parent	Audi
Subsidiaries	Volkswagen R GmbH Volkswagen Individual GmbH
Website	www.audi.com/corporate/en/company/company-structure/audi-participations/quattro.html

quattro GmbH ("four" in Italian) is a wholly owned private subsidiary of the German automobile manufacturer AUDI AG,^[1][3][4][5] part of the Volkswagen Group.

Founded in October 1983,^[1] it primarily specialises in producing high performance Audi cars^[2] and components,^[1] along with purchaser specified customisations.^[1] The company takes its name as an homage to Audi's original four-wheel drive rally-inspired road car – the Audi Quattro, and in bowing to this, always spells its 'quattro GmbH' name with a leading lower-case 'q'.

It is located in a 3,500 square metres (37,670 sq ft) site at Neckarsulm,^[3] near Stuttgart, in the German State of Baden-Württemberg. With over twenty years experience,^[1] their own development and manufacturing factories^[2] are based within the larger 10,700 square metres (115,170 sq ft) site of the now defunct German automotive maker (and Wankel pistonless rotary engine pioneer) NSU Motorenwerke AG (NSU), on what is now known as Audi's "aluminium plant", or aluminium site.

Although "quattro GmbH" as a company may be relatively unknown, compared to its parent, Audi, its core products include the Audi RS4, the Audi RS6 and the Audi R8. Furthermore, it is a 'closed company', in that it does not sell its automobiles directly to the public via franchised outlets under its own brand name; instead, they are sold under the Audi marque. However, it does now sell 'quattro GmbH' branded lifestyle products and accessories via Audi franchised outlets and Audi Forum such as that located in the Allianz Arena on the northern outskirts of Munich, Germany.

Business areas

quattro GmbH specialises in four 'key' areas,^[1] including the design, testing and production of specialist and high performance Audi automobiles, such as the Audi RS3, Audi RS4, Audi RS5, Audi RS6, Audi RS7, Audi RS Q3, Audi TTRS and the Audi R8.

They also design and specify roadwheels, and design and produce sports suspension,^[1] and the specialist car body parts (such as front bumpers and splitters, side skirts, rear bumpers and diffusers, and rear spoilers) which are mainly used on the Audi "S line" trim specification available on most of the model range.

RS cars

The Audi RS cars have technology and performance comparable with high performance sports cars such as the Porsche 911. Being based on conventional saloon (sedan) or estate (station wagon) cars, RS models also retain the everyday comfort and practicality of regular mainstream models.^[1][2] They are some of the most powerful vehicles ever offered by Audi. quattro GmbH create, design, develop and produce all RS models in conjunction with parent, AUDI AG.^[1][2]

The "RS" initials are taken from the German: RennSport - literally translated as "racing sport". RS is Audi's highest trim level, positioned distinctly above the "S" ("Sport") specification level of Audi's regular model range. RS cars are usually produced in limited numbers over a limited time scale (historically, nearing the end of the production run of a certain model, before a new evolution or generation of the same model), and pioneer some of Audi's latest and most advanced technology and engineering prowess; therefore, "RS" cars could be described as (and are often marketed via television advertising as) "halo vehicles". Whilst RS cars generally command a much higher purchase price, compared to their 'lesser' brethren, they also retain very high residual values too.

S line

"S line" badge in front grille

S line is a trim specification that allows customers to effect a sporty appearance in their otherwise mainstream Audi model.^[1][2] Whilst the individual S line parts and components are designed and manufactured by quattro GmbH,^[1][2][3] Audi "S line" cars are still manufactured in the same AUDI AG factories, on the same production lines as their related models with differing trim levels. Cars with "S line" trim should not be confused with high performance "S" and "RS" models. Audi cars with S line trim bear identical performance figures to their counterparts with SE or base trim levels, with the exception of the Audi Q7 S line with the 3.0 V6 TFSI petrol engines (213 kilowatts (290 PS; 286 bhp) for standard, 245 kilowatts (333 PS; 329 bhp) for S line).

Audi exclusive

quattro GmbH offers potential purchasers of new Audi cars the possibility of customising their new car beyond the scope of "conventional" options, to their own personal desires during the initial manufacturing process.^[1][2][3] This facility is called Audi exclusive,^[6] and extends to virtually all areas of the car. The customer may choose unique exterior paint, in any colour,^[1][2] and be complemented by alloy wheels originally developed by quattro GmbH.^[1][2] For the interior, the upholstery can be finished in various grades and grains of leathers (including nappa), again in a choice of colours.^[1][2] These coloured leathers may also be applied to interior door coverings and rear parcel shelves. Headlining fabrics can be customised in colour, along with seat belt webbing. The interior can be finished with a wide selection of fine wooden trims, sourced from around the world,^[1][2] along with colour coordinated piping on the edges of tailored floor carpet mats. Finally, for the traveling business person, a range of in-car office equipment is available.^[1][2] quattro GmbH first offered this service at the 1995 Frankfurt International Motor Show.^[2]

Audi lifestyle / Audi Accessories

In the current markets, many consumers expect to find their favourite brand logo on objects other than the car.^[1][2] From 1985,^[2] quattro GmbH have developed a range of Audi lifestyle products, known as Audi Accessories.^[2] These include mountain bikes and personal leather goods, such as briefcases, handbags, purses and wallets. Their highlight is the "Square chronograph" watch. These products allow Audi owners, and non-owners alike, the ability to express an affinity for the four rings emblem, in fields other than cars.^[1][2]

Car production

Audi B7 A4 DTM Edition, one of the cars produced by quattro GmbH

quattro GmbH has historically only been able to produce one specific model at a time at its sole plant at Neckarsulm. Chronologically, the first quattro GmbH model produced was the Audi RS2 Avant, a joint venture between Porsche and quattro GmbH, from 1994-1996 (and actually built at Porsche's Zuffenhausen plant). After this initial joint venture, all subsequent cars have been solely (with the exception of the Audi TT RS) produced at Neckarsulm by quattro GmbH. The second car was the C4 S6 Plus, produced from April 1996 to July 1997. Third was the 2000-2001 B5 RS4 Avant quattro; fourth was the 2003 C5 RS6 quattro; fifth was the 2005 B7 A4 DTM Edition saloon. Sixth out of quattro GmbH was the 2006 B7 RS4 quattro, seventh out of quattro GmbH was the 2006 B7 S4 25Quattro, the eighth was the A4 S Line Special Edition (with 220PS upgrade, black optics pack, ventilated cross-drilled front disc brakes, black exhaust pipes, two tone leather interior) and, as of 2009, the ninth and latest offering is the 2008 C6 RS6 5.0 TFSI quattro.^[2][3][5]

The Audi R8 is built in a new and totally separate quattro GmbH plant at Neckarsulm.

The latest Audi TT RS and the Audi RS3 are both notable departures from this Neckarsulm-only production tradition. Whilst the TT RS and RS3 were wholly designed, developed and engineered at Neckarsulm by quattro GmbH, they are manufactured alongside their 'lesser' Audi siblings, with the TT RS being manufactured at Győr, Hungary, by AUDI AG subsidiary Audi Hungaria Motor Kft.^[7]

quattro GmbH-produced cars from Neckarsulm can be identified by their specific 2nd and 3rd digit of the World Manufacturer Identifier section of the vehicles' Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - quattro GmbH manufactured cars begin with 'WUA....', whereas cars produced by AUDI AG in Germany begin with 'WAU....'.^[7]

Audi R8

The Audi R8 two-seat mid-engined sports car was exclusively designed and developed and is produced by quattro GmbH.^[1][3][5] An old factory on the Audi Neckarsulm site was redeveloped, and €28millon was invested in the new R8 production line.^[1] Around 250 employees work on this car.^[1]

The longitudinally orientated 4.2 litre Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) V8 engine used in the R8, rated at 309 kilowatts (420 PS; 414 bhp) and 430 newton metres (317 lbf·ft), is shared from the B7 RS4 quattro, but modified to use a dry sump lubrication system^[8] and induction system.

A subsequent V10 engined version of the R8 is also available, using a de-tuned version of their sister company's 5.2 litre FSI V10, used in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. This variant produces 386 kilowatts (525 PS; 518 bhp) and 530 newton metres (391 lbf·ft).

Furthermore, quattro GmbH unveiled a diesel engined R8 concept, the "R8 V12 TDI" (later renamed "R8 TDI Le Mans"). This was to use a 6.0 litre V12 engine, utilising Volkswagen Group's long-established Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) turbodiesel technology. This engine was rated 368 kilowatts (500 PS; 493 bhp), and generated 1,000 newton metres (738 lbf·ft) of torque.

Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro

quattro GmbH has developed the most powerful diesel powered sport utility vehicle (SUV) in its class.^{[3][5][9][10]} The Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro is fitted with a V12 Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI)^[10] internal combustion engine. A world first,^[10] this all new diesel engine displaces 6.0 litres,^[10] generating a motive power output of 368 kilowatts (500 PS; 493 bhp) (measured according to Directive 80/1269/EEC)^[10] at 4,000 rpm, and 1,000 newton metres (738 lbf·ft)^[10] of torque at 1,750-3,000 rpm. This is enough to complete the 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (0.0 to 62.1 mph) dash in 5.5 seconds,^[10] making it perform like modern sports cars.^[10] Top speed is electronically limited to 250 kilometres per hour (155.3 mph).^[10] quattro GmbH have developed this new engine using existing technology from Audi's Le Mans endurance racing programme - the Audi R15 TDI.

Comparisons to other brands

quattro GmbH is related to Audi in a similar manner to other German car manufacturers' "performance divisions" – such as "Mercedes-AMG GmbH" and Mercedes-Benz, "BMW M GmbH" and BMW, "Volkswagen R GmbH" and Volkswagen, or "Opel Performance Center GmbH" and Opel.

A similar operation called "Volkswagen Individual GmbH", founded February 2003,^[11] is provided for Audi's Volkswagen Group sister company Volkswagen Passenger Cars at Wolfsburg. Volkswagen Individual GmbH produce the Volkswagen "R" series of cars, including the Golf R32 and the latest Passat R36, and are also able to provide purchaser requested customisations under the "Volkswagen Individual" label, similar to "Audi exclusive", during the initial factory manufacturing process. This service is also offered routinely to purchasers of Volkswagen Passenger Cars 'flagship' models - the Phaeton and the Touareg, at their respective production plants.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Audi.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Volkswagen buildings.

• Ehra-Lessien - site of the Volkswagen Group proving ground
• Abt Sportsline, an independent tuning and motor racing company, specialising in Volkswagen Group products
• PPI Automotive Design, an independent tuning company specialising in Audi vehicles
• list of German cars

References

External links

• Audi.com official corporate website
  • quattro GmbH at Audi.com
• Audi UK S line microsite
• Audi UK S and RS model range

Volkswagen Group
Ownership	Porsche SE State of Lower Saxony Qatar Holding LLC Capital Group Companies
Divisions and subsidiaries	Passenger cars Audi (99.55%) quattro Bentley Motors Bugatti Lamborghini Porsche SEAT Škoda Volkswagen Commercial vehicles MAN (75.56%) Navistar International (16.6%) Scania Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Motorcycles Ducati Services Italdesign Giugiaro Geographic Volkswagen Group of America (Electronics Research Laboratory) Volkswagen do Brasil Volkswagen Group China Volkswagen Group Sales India
Shareholdings	FAW-Volkswagen (40%) Here (33.3%) IAV (50%) Navistar International (16.6%) SAIC Volkswagen (50%)
Products and technologies	Platforms Vehicles Engines Diesel: current / discontinued Petrol: current / discontinued North America Technologies BlueMotion Digifant DSG ETKA FSI Pumpe Düse SDI TDI VAG-COM
Discontinued brands	Auto Union DKW Horch NSU Wanderer
Places	Autostadt Ehra-Lessien Factories
People	Ferdinand Porsche (founder) Carl Hahn (Chairman Emeritus) Ivan Hirst (former Managing Director) Rudolf Leiding (former CEO) Kurt Lotz (former CEO) Heinrich Nordhoff (former Managing Director) Ferdinand Piëch (Chairman of the Supervisory Board) Bernd Pischetsrieder (former CEO) Toni Schmücker (former CEO) Martin Winterkorn (former Chairman of the Board of Management) Porsche family (owner)
Motorsport	Teams: Rally teams Series: Formula Volkswagen Germany Jetta TDI Cup Scirocco R-Cup
Other	Volkswagen emissions testing scandal
Category Commons

Audi, a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG
Volkswagen Group marques & companies	Volkswagen Passenger Cars Audi quattro GmbH Bentley Bugatti Lamborghini Porsche SEAT Škoda Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Scania Ducati
Subsidiaries	Audi do Brasil e Cia Audi Hungaria Motor Kft. Audi Senna Ltda. Autogerma S.p.A. Here (33%) Automobili Lamborghini Holding S.p.A Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. e-tron quattro GmbH
Defunct Audi AG brands	Auto Union DKW Horch NSU Wanderer
Museums	August Horch Museum Zwickau museum mobile
Current models	Sedans A3 S3 A3 Sportback (e-tron) A4 S4 RS4 A5 S5 RS5 A6 S6 RS6 A7 S7 A8 (L) S8 Sports Cars TT R8 (e-tron) Station wagons A4 Avant A6 Avant Hatchbacks A1 S1 Audi A2 A3 Sportback A3 Sportback e-tron SUVs/Crossovers A4 allroad quattro A6 allroad quattro Q2 Q3 Q5 Q7 SQ7 Q7 e-tron
Future	Q1 Q4 Q6 e-tron Q8 R6
Historic and discontinued models	Audi Front Audi 920 Audi F103 Audi 50 Audi 80/90/4000/5+5 Audi Quattro (Ur-Quattro) Audi Coupé Audi 4000CS quattro Audi 100/200/5000 Audi S2 Audi RS2 Avant Audi Ur-S4 & Ur-S6 Audi V8 Audi A2 Audi Cabriolet Audi RS3 Audi RS4 Audi RS6
Motorsport	Cars Rally cars: Quattro A1 & A2 Sport Quattro Sport Quattro S1 LMP road race cars: R8R R8C R8 R10 TDI R15 TDI R18 LMS/GT road race cars: R8 LMS (R16) DTM race cars: Abt-Audi TT-R DTM A4 DTM A5/RS5 DTM Formula cars (engine suppliers): FPA FIA F2 Series Audi R8 LMS Cup Audi Sport TT Cup
Concept cars	A2 (2011) Avus quattro e-tron Rosemeyer Steppenwolf Avantissimo Pikes Peak quattro Nuvolari quattro Le Mans quattro RSQ RS7 Concept Shooting Brake Roadjet A3 TDI clubsport quattro Sportback concept R8 TDi Le Mans e-tron (Frankfurt) e-tron (Detroit) e-tron Spyder quattro concept quattro e-tron TT Offroad Prologue Nanuk Urban Concept
See also	August Horch (founder) Audi Channel Audi Cup Audi Driving Experience Audi S and RS models Audi Sport Factory Race Cars Audi vehicles hybrid MLP MMI multitronic North American Volkswagen engines procon-ten quattro (four-wheel-drive system) S tronic Volkswagen Group diesel engines discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol engines discontinued Volkswagen Group factories Volkswagen Group platforms Vorsprung durch Technik World-Wide Volkswagen Corp. v. Woodson
Category Commons

Automotive industry in Germany
Automotive industry Economy of Germany Transport in Germany
Companies	Active vehicle producers BMW BMW i BMW Motorrad Borgward Daimler Mercedes-Benz Setra/EvoBus Smart Maybach Gumpert Krauss-Maffei Rheinmetall RMMV Volkswagen Group Audi MAN RMMV Porsche Volkswagen Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Foreign owned Ford of Europe Ford-Werke Iveco Magirus Opel Hyundai Europe Defunct vehicle producers Auto Union DKW Horch NSU Wanderer Trabant Hansa Goliath North German Automobile and Engine Artega Automobile Fuldamobil Goggomobil Components ATR Behr Bosch Blaupunkt ETAS Group BBS Bühler Motor Continental Dräxlmaier Group Dürr AG Getrag Hella Hermann Peters KSPG Löwe Automobil Mahle Mann+Hummel Petri Schaeffler Voith ZF Friedrichshafen ZF Sachs Motorsport and tuners Abt Sportsline AC Schnitzer Alpina AMG Bitter Brabus BMW M Carlsson G-Power Gemballa Hartge Je Design Koenig Specials Mansory Opel Performance Center PPI Automotive Design quattro Rieger Tuning Ruf Automobile Steinmetz Opel Tuning Services Daimler Financial Services Mercedes-Benz Bank Sixt
Related topics	ADAC AMI Leipzig ASAM DTM Frankfurt Motor Show German Association of the Automotive Industry Nürburgring
Defunct companies and marques above are shown in italics