The electronically-controlled adaptive air suspension and the new MK25 E1 ESC system provide improved comfort, safety and driving dynamics. The ContiCrossContact UHP and Conti4x4Contact tires offer the best grip both on and off-road.

Frankfurt am Main, 19 October, 2005. When creating its first sports utility vehicle in company history, Audi chose Continental's innovative chassis technologies and high-performance tires. The Audi Q7, equipped with up to 20 inch ContiCrossContact UHP tires and Conti4x4Contact tires, uses the optional EAS variable air suspension to adapt damping and spring characteristics; braking and stabilization is provided by the new standard-equipment Mk25E1 ESC made by the Automotive Systems division of Continental. Following the A6, Audi allroad quattro and A8, the Q7 is the fourth Audi to use the Electronic Air Suspension system (EAS) produced by the leading manufacturer of air suspension systems.

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Adaptive air suspension: Solution to an age-old problem

Within a few short years, the EAS adaptive air suspension system by Continental Automotive Systems has established itself in top-of-the-line sedans and performance-oriented SUVs. Numerous automakers have selected this intelligent four-corner application with adaptive damper control. "Chassis with non-adjustable steel springs and damping must always strike a compromise between comfort and handling. Our EAS, in combination with adjustable dampers, solves this problem. In demanding driving situations, EAS allows a focus on maximum comfort in order to provide the greatest driving dynamic qualities," states Dr. Andreas Rohde, Manager of Air Suspension Systems, in explaining the principal advantage of EAS technology.

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EAS consists of four air-suspension struts, each with an integrated damper using a continuously variable characteristic curve. In addition, the system takes advantage of sensor systems using spring path and body acceleration sensors as well as an air pressure supply with reservoir and valve block with pressure sensor. A powerful electronic control unit manages intelligent control of all components. A particular feature of Continental Automotive Systems' EAS is the external guidance of the pneumatic springs, which lends itself to the use of a very thin material for the bellows.

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Using signals from the spring path sensors, the electronic control system calculates the height of the body and makes needed corrections by inflating or deflating the pneumatic springs. Thus the full spring path is available at each wheel – a prerequisite for maintaining a high level of comfort no matter the vehicle load. The various chassis heights can either be set manually by the driver or automatically when specified speed thresholds are crossed. During fast driving, the system allows the chassis to ride lower to the ground. This improves aerodynamics, reduces fuel consumption and increases road-holding characteristics.

Suspension comfort also improves the damping control. It allows softer initial characteristics of the dampers than non-adjustable chassis. Modulation of damping forces uses the so-called skyhook process. This uses the kinetic energy of the axles to steady the vertical motions of the vehicle body as desired. If the electronic control system detects increased handling requirements, the damping characteristic curve is set to "hard". The handling characteristics thus become significantly more precise.

MK25E1 ESC: A big plus for safety, especially for the SUV

The newest generation brake regulation system, the MK25 E1 ESC, made its debut in the Audi Q7. Compared to the previous standard ESC systems, MK25 E1 ESC offers greater performance and functional integration. Analogue-controlled intake and cut-out valves permit the ABS, ASR and ESC to perform more precisely and effectively. For an SUV such as the Audi Q7, active tip prevention is a big plus for safety, since by means of networking the ESC with an active power brake assist, the vehicle can be prevented from a roll-over in a fraction of a second. During towing, the ESC sensor systems can detect vehicle instability; through controlled braking action, the trailer can be brought back under control. In the first vehicle of the Volkswagen Corporation to use the system, the MK 25 E1 ESC provides further safety through additional functions such as hill start assist and automatic drying of the brake disks. The hydraulic braking assistant and supplementary boost during heavy braking help the driver achieve short braking distances; the hill descent assist provides help when driving down steep inclines.

Tires: High performance off-road and on the road up to 250 km/h

An all-round vehicle like the Q7 needs multi-talented tires that also guarantee high performance even during demanding situations. Therefore Audi selected the ContiCrossContact UHP and Conti4x4Contact for the best grip off-road and on the street. With its maximum speed of 250 km/h, the Q7 makes particularly high demands upon its tires. The Q7 is shipped from the factory with 18, 19 or 20-inch wheels. Continental provide tires with impressive dimensions: 235/60 R 18, 255/55 R 18, 265/50 R 19 and 275/45 R 20.

Visible quality, technical reliability: Products by ContiTech

In addition to tires, chassis and brake systems, Continental provides many other components for the Q7. Membranes, cooling, heating and charge air lines as well as climate control lines are made by ContiTech; further, high-performance rubber ribbed belts and ribbed V-belts to drive accessories are also provided by ContiTech. Sound absorbers made by ContiTech subsidiary Stankievicz provide effective noise insulation.

The quality requirements of the Q7 are also seen in the high-quality materials in the interior. ContiTech subsidiary Benecke-Kaliko is represented here with covering material for door leaves and seats. These luxurious-feeling and durable materials, requiring little upkeep, are designed for a long service life; even after several years, they will continue to add to the appeal of the Q7 as a high-quality vehicle.

The Continental Corporation is a leading supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers. In 2004, the corporation realized sales of € 12.6 billion. At present, it has a worldwide workforce of more than 81,000.

As a worldwide leading technology partner to the automotive industry, the Automotive Systems division of Continental AG integrates extensive know-how in the fields of driving safety, powertrain and comfort. In 2004, the division achieved sales of approx. € 5 billion with a workforce of more than 22,500. Automotive Systems incorporates Continental Teves and Continental Temic. Continental Teves develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake, stability and chassis control systems, as well as electronic air spring systems and sensors. Continental Temic is a specialist in chassis electronics, engine management and transmission control units, as well as electric drives and comfort electronics.