Audi Design Student Creates the Trimaran Hybrid Yacht

Audi's concept design studio in Munich came up with an interesting proposition for a luxury yacht that would wear the four-ring logo. The Trimaran is the project work of Pforzheim Technical College student Stefanie Behringer, who explains the idea behind the study:“The Audi Trimaran is a new concept which integrates two jet skis in a motorboat. The hull architecture is
based on a trimaran, consisting of a main center hull supported by two smaller outrigger hulls. Two jet skis are stored inside pods in the outriggers. The main boat is powered by two lightweight and efficient Audi TDI diesel engines, whereas the jet skis are electrically-driven,” said Behringer.
The jet ski engines can be used to propel the yacht, provided that the required speed is not higher than 8 knots. At higher speeds of up to 30 knots, the two diesel engines can be switched on continuously. When more powerful acceleration is needed, the electric motors in the jet skis support the diesel engines for a faster and more fuel-efficient journey. At the same time, the diesel engines recharge the batteries in the two jet skis in the same way it’s done in a hybridcar.
The Trimaran is 15 meters long and 6.4 meters wide due to its slender center hull. The boat can accommodate 12 persons on the deck, with six berths available in the lower compartment. The silver frame that links the outer pods with the main hull gives the Trimaran a high-tech look that reminds Audi's aluminum frame structures. Too bad Audi has no plans for building the Trimaran.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Audi Design Student Creates the Trimaran Hybrid Yacht

Audi's concept design studio in Munich came up with an interesting proposition for a luxury yacht that would wear the four-ring logo. The Trimaran is the project work of Pforzheim Technical College student Stefanie Behringer, who explains the idea behind the study:“The Audi Trimaran is a new concept which integrates two jet skis in a motorboat. The hull architecture is
based on a trimaran, consisting of a main center hull supported by two smaller outrigger hulls. Two jet skis are stored inside pods in the outriggers. The main boat is powered by two lightweight and efficient Audi TDI diesel engines, whereas the jet skis are electrically-driven,” said Behringer.
The jet ski engines can be used to propel the yacht, provided that the required speed is not higher than 8 knots. At higher speeds of up to 30 knots, the two diesel engines can be switched on continuously. When more powerful acceleration is needed, the electric motors in the jet skis support the diesel engines for a faster and more fuel-efficient journey. At the same time, the diesel engines recharge the batteries in the two jet skis in the same way it’s done in a hybridcar.
The Trimaran is 15 meters long and 6.4 meters wide due to its slender center hull. The boat can accommodate 12 persons on the deck, with six berths available in the lower compartment. The silver frame that links the outer pods with the main hull gives the Trimaran a high-tech look that reminds Audi's aluminum frame structures. Too bad Audi has no plans for building the Trimaran.

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY

STaSIS Engineering Gives the Audi S5 Cabriolet a Power Boost

North American aftermarket specialist STaSIS Engineering has released a new performance package for the Audi S5 Cabriolet in the UK. The STaSIS Engineering S5 Cabriolet Challenge Edition features an upgrade kit that includes an engine tune, Ohlins performance suspension, monobloc brake calipers and a limited-slip differential.The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine develops 410 horsepower,
an increase of 77 horsepower compared to the factory S5 Cabriolet. Torque is also up on the S5 Cabriolet Challenge Edition, from 344 lb-ft (465 Nm) to 370 lb-ft (500 Nm). The power boost is due to the ECU remap and the fitting of a high performance exhaust system.
Naturally, the car's performance numbers are also improved, with STaSIS' S5 Cabriolet hitting 60 mph (98 km/h) from a standing start in 4.3 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than the standard model. In order to improve braking distances, the S5 convertible is fitted with Alcon 6-piston monobloc calipers, 370 mm two-piece front discs, high performance pads and braided stainless steel brake lines.
To improve handling, the suspension uses Ohlins SL dampers with two settings (for ride comfort and better response) and adjustable ride height. The package is rounded off by 20-inch ultra-lightweight forged aluminum wheels shod in high performance low profile tires.
STaSIS performance components are available separately or as a package through APS of Brackley and STaSIS dealers across the UK.

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