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January 26, 2015
The 90 km/liter Hybrid Concept: Audi Crosslane Coupe
Audi crosslane coupé | Audi
A Concept Model Hinting at the Future of Audi
Audi crosslane coupé Unveiled
AudiAudi's future SUV, the "Q model," and the direction of Audi's car manufacturing are previewed by the plug-in hybrid concept model, the "Audi crosslane coupé," which wasParis Motor Show 2012unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2012. Among the concept models exhibited at this show, it is the most noteworthy and innovative vehicle.
Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)Event photographs by MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko
Evolution of Audi ultra
The concept SUV "Audi crosslane coupé," measuring 4.21 meters long, 1.88 meters wide, and 1.51 meters high with a wheelbase of 2.56 meters, has been unveiled, packed with innovative technology. While its appearance, which hints at the future "Q model" and future Audi cars, can be seen in the photos, we will focus here on its body structure and powertrain.
First, regarding the body structure, Audi's proud lightweight body, previously discussed under the name "Audi Space Frame (ASF)" and keywords like "Audi ultra",
This multi-material space frame is composed of three materials: aluminum, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP). The concept car weighs approximately 1,390 kg, even with the large lithium-ion battery included.
The occupant cell is protected by a robust aluminum frame, while CFRP is used for the interior pillars, floor structure, and walls. The front and rear crash zones of the occupant cell are made of CFRP. The outer surfaces use a combination of GFRP and CFRP.
According to Audi, this structure is as lightweight as one made entirely of CFRP, but it is superior in terms of manufacturing costs and energy consumption from production to dismantling, making it a rational future body structure.
Incidentally, the outer frame of Audi's signature "Singleframe grille" is integrated into the internal structure as part of this multi-material space frame, as is evident from the photos.
Powertrain: A Blend of A1 e-tron and A6 Hybrid for 90 km/L
Next, regarding the powertrain, it employs a hybrid system called "Dual Mode Hybrid," which has two modes.
The system's total maximum output is 130 kW (177 ps). 0-100 km/h acceleration is 8.6 seconds. In electric-only mode, it's 9.8 seconds. The top speed reaches 182 km/h. The total capacity of the lithium-ion battery is 17.4 kWh. It can travel approximately 86 km as an electric vehicle without the engine running.
The engine is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder TFSI (turbo gasoline) engine designed for specialized purposes. Its maximum output is 95 kW (130 ps) and its maximum torque is 200 Nm. This engine is connected to an "Electric Motor 1," which primarily functions as a starter and alternator. "Electric Motor 1" itself can produce 50 kW and 210 Nm of torque, and can also support the engine, but it is not for driving the vehicle on its own.
The "Electric Motor 2" is responsible for independent propulsion. It produces an output of 85 kW (116 ps) and a torque of 250 Nm.
Regarding the driving modes, from a standstill up to 55 km/h, "Electric Motor 2" handles propulsion using energy from the battery. In this mode, depending on factors like battery charge level, the engine generates electricity using "Electric Motor 1" to supply power to the battery or directly to "Electric Motor 2." This operation is identical to that of a range-extender EV or a series hybrid vehicle, which are equipped with a generator engine. This is the first driving mode.
While this mode is capable of speeds up to 130 km/h, realistically, above 55 km/h, the engine and "Electric Motor 1" become the primary powertrain. Above 130 km/h, the engine takes the lead in the drivetrain, and "Electric Motor 1" focuses on supporting the engine. This driving mode, utilizing the engine and "Electric Motor 1" while not using "Electric Motor 2," is the second driving mode.
In Audi's terms, it drives like the "A1 e-tron" at low speeds, and like the "A6 hybrid" at high speeds.
There are two driving modes: "Cruise" and "Race." "Cruise" prioritizes electric driving. However, the transition is so smooth that the driver cannot tell whether the car is being driven by the engine or the motor.
Regarding its environmental performance, Audi announces astonishing figures: 26 g/km of CO2 emissions and a fuel consumption of 1.1 L/100 km (approximately 90 km/L).
Always Connected to the Internet
Finally, regarding the interior features, as can be seen in the images, the center console only has controls for the air conditioning. This is because the displays are consolidated in the instrument panel area.
The car is always connected to the internet, allowing easy transmission of photos and videos to communities like Facebook and Twitter from the car. A new feature utilizing this is "Escape Manager," which shares real-time road conditions by transmitting driving route information.
The "crosslane coupé" is purely a concept model. However, its design, multi-material frame, and hybrid powertrain all possess a concreteness that suggests they will be applied in some form to future production vehicles, wouldn't you agree?
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