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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The Audi Guide to... Start/Stop Technology

New energy-efficient features are being added to Audi model variants all the time. These include an improved Stop/start system and brake-energy recuperation. You can even combine this technology with our automatics. The aim of this guide is to explain the features and benefits of our new efficiency program.

How does Start/stop work?
Start/stop is a great fuel-saving piece of technology. When the vehicle is stationary and neutral is selected, the engine turns off to save fuel. When a gear is selected the engine automatically starts instantly and the car is ready to be driven with no delay. The whole process happens so quickly that there is no interruption to the driver and the car's entertainment features. This system is much more advanced than earlier versions used in other manufacturer's cars. The advanced system will not put the engine into standby mode if the batteries are depleted, or the front wheels are turned (i.e. when waiting to turn right, etc).

What is brake energy recuperation?
This is the process whereby your Audi uses energy that is created when braking (normally wasted energy) and stores it in the battery. When the car accelerates away, the battery directs the energy back into the vehicle, cutting out the alternator and thus saving fuel.

How can the driver efficiency program help me?
The biggest saving that can be made to our fuel consumption is from changing our driving habits. The new efficiency program, sits inside the drivers information system. It gives the driver useful hints on how to improve fuel consumption. The solution may be as simple as closing a window to reduce wind-resistance, or changing gear slightly earlier to save fuel.

If you would like more information on how this new technology can help you, please call us on 01202 775050.