Audi is débuting this striking crosslane coupé model at the Paris motor Show, this week.
The plug-in hybrid concept is based around a Multimaterial Space Frame layout utilizing aluminum, carbon fibre-reinforced polymer and glass fibre-reinforced polymer, and measures 4.21 metres in length, 1.88 metres in width and stands 1.51 metres tall, meaning it’s virtually the same size as Audi’s Q3 SUV, but thanks to its lightweight construction weighs around 50 kg less, at 1,390 kg – including the lithium-ion battery.
Powering the crosslane coupe is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder TFSI developing 95 kW (130 hp) and 200 Nm of torque, and a pair of electric motors. The first motor, a 50 kW (68 hp) and 210 Nm unit, acts as a starter and alternator, while the second motor, producing 85 kW (116 hp) and 250 Nm, is used for traction purposes. A claw clutch enables this motor to connect directly to the transmission, meaning speeds up to 55 km/h (34 mph) can use electric power drawing energy primarily from the 17.4 kWh battery. Between 55 km/h and 130 km/h (81 mph) the engine and alternator become part of the hybrid drivetrain, which chooses its source depending on whether the ‘cruise’ or ‘race’ mode is chosen. The TFSI engine becomes the main source of drive above 130 km/h, with the smaller motor providing support if required. 0-100 km/h occurs in 8.6 seconds (electric mode: 9.8s), while top speed is 182 km/h (113 mph). Impressively, fuel consumption is a mere 1.1 litres every 100 kilometres (214 US mpg) while the CO2 figure is just 26 g/km.
Visually, the face wears trapezoidal headlights using Audi Matrix LED technology, a large single frame grille and air intakes in the front fascia. The sides are dominated by those blistered wheel arches and large c-pillar (which helps it to look like the legendary Audi quattro S1 – in our opinion), while the clean-looking rear features a small roof spoiler, aluminium diffuser and LED tail lights. The CFRP roof section can be removed and placed over the trunk, which is attached to the back of the rear seats and forms a separate pan within the structure of the body.
The interior features electrically adjustable sport seats with CFRP shell, semi-aniline leather and velvet leather upholstery and features a mixture of machine-polished and anodized aluminium trim elements and switchgear. As well as the touchpad on the centre console, the driver can also carry out most functions via the surfaces on spokes of the steering wheel.
[Source: Audi]