This week at the Paris Motor Show Audi provides a glimpse of the future shape of design, along with automotive and drive concepts, through its Audi crosslane coupé concept car.
The result is a sophisticated vehicle that will appeal to young customers in particular thanks to its removable roof and the customisable services available under the Audi connect concept.
An innovative and efficient plug-in hybrid drive based on a purpose-designed 1.5-litre three-cylinder TFSI and two electric motors redefines the benchmark, with potential fuel economy returns equivalent to 256.8 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 26 grams per km.
The plug-in hybrid drive of the Audi crosslane coupé, which is described as a dual-mode hybrid, is as innovative as it is efficient. It comprises a combustion engine, two electric motors and a single-stage transmission; its system power is 177PS. The Audi crosslane coupé sprints from zero to 62mph in 8.6 seconds, and in pure electric mode takes 9.8 seconds. The car’s top speed is 113mph. It offers the potential for up to 256.8mpg and emits 26 grams per km of CO2. The lithium-ion battery has an output of 17.4 kWh, sufficient for an operating range of around 53 miles in the electric mode.
The combustion engine is a purpose-developed three-cylinder TFSI with a displacement of 1.5 litres, delivering an output of 130PS and 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque. The three-cylinder engine is coupled to an electric motor (EM 1), which acts primarily as a starter and an alternator. It develops an output of 68PS and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft) of torque. Electrical traction is provided by the second electric motor (EM 2) developing 116PS and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque. The transmission makes it possible to connect the combustion engine complete with alternator to the remainder of the drivetrain by means of a claw clutch.
The electric mode is possible up to 80mph. From around 34mph the drive system allows the TFSI engine together with the alternator to couple to the drivetrain – in this hybrid mode, the drive sources combine to optimise both efficiency and performance. Above 80mph, the three-cylinder engine becomes the main drive source but the EM 1 can support it if required.
The 2+2-seater Audi crosslane coupé is 4.21 metres long, 1.88 metres wide and 1.51 metres high, with a wheelbase of 2.56 metres. Its body design comes across as powerful and striking, and it already provides a foretaste of the design language of a future generation of Audi Q models.
The boot forms a separate pan within the body structure; it is attached to the backs of the rear seats, which are separate from the seat cushions. At the press of a button, the entire unit travels about 40 cm forwards electrically; this is how the latched roof reaches its end position, in which it protects the luggage. At the same time, the level surface under the boot becomes accessible, and it offers a flat storage space for dirty or wet objects.
The driver and front passenger sit on electrically adjustable sport seats with integrated head restraints, the shells of which are made from CFRP. The centre console integrates a large selector lever, which is electrically extended when the car is started; it is used to control the hybrid drive. The spokes of the steering wheel incorporate control surfaces for the thumbs, which the driver can use to carry out most functions. These can also be controlled just as intuitively from a large touchpad on the centre console.
The Audi crosslane coupé introduces new online services under the key word Audi connect. Its passengers are always connected to the Internet community – via Twitter, Facebook or by sending photos and videos recorded on the road. A completely new feature is the “Escape Manager” – a program passengers can use to review and comment on the routes they are driving for their friends.
Last updated: Friday, 28th Sep 2012, 10:15