Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept

 Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept picture - doc641069






Audi has announced a new concept that will be revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show , and it is called the E-TronConcept . Really devoted Audi fans are probably scratching their heads on seeing this name, since it was already used for a concept that was revealed at theDetroit Auto Show in 2010. That concept was an evolution of the R8 E-tron concept of the previous year, and even though we’ve only seen sketches of the new concept so far, it obviously isn’t the same kind of thing. The new concept will be a crossover , an altogether duller but far more realistic kind of thing.
Complete lack of creativity aside, the recycled name does show us how far electric cars have come in the last six years. When the name was first used, electric concepts were gimmicks used by automakers to show us that they were thinking about the future; today they’re consumer products, just another sort of car to choose from. We don’t have a lot of details about the concept yet, and we won’t until the official unveiling, but it shows promise, and will surely be a precursor to an actual production model.
SOURCE:TOPSPEED

Exterior

Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept
What we know to be true about the E-Tron is that it will be bigger than the 2017 Audi Q5 but smaller than the 2016 Audi Q7 . Whether or not this means it will be called the 2017 Audi Q6 in production form is not known, but it seems like a good guess. The bodywork will incorporate active aerodynamics, as well as a coefficient of drag of just 0.25, a new low for SUV s. Audi calls the styling “Aerosthetics,” which is such a terrible marketing word that it’s actually borderline funny. That said, Audi does seem to have made a special effort when it comes to the aerodynamics of the vehicle, having noted that it is a major contributing factor for efficiency, no matter what sort of propulsion the car uses. It’s an interesting design, one that should set it apart from most other crossovers. The more coupe-like proportions and small greenhouse are somewhat reminiscent of the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque , but not to the point that it’s an echo.

Interior

Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept
The interior is really where Audi went "full-concept" on the design. It’s the sort of futuristic cockpit that helps buyers of electric cars feel that they’re living in the future. It’s something Tesla has used to great effect and that not all other manufacturers of electric cars have realized is extremely effective. That said, it’s not exactly a new thing when it comes to concepts, and just because the interior of the E-Tron is wild and exciting, that is by no means a guarantee that the production car’s interior will be. The main thing we’re meant to understand about the interior is that the OLED screen make up all of the instruments and controls, including a curved touch screen in the center console that controls the power seats and dual-zone climate controls. It’s not crazy to think that this is the direction that the whole automotive industry is headed for instrumentation and controls, and it certainly looks attractive, especially in low light, although there is something to be said for the feeling of satisfaction that comes from a well-made switch.

Drivetrain

We don’t know anything about how much power the crossover will put out, or how quickly it will sprint to 60 mph. But there is some important information, namely that Audi is claiming a 310-mile range for the crossover EV. That’s a lot of range, especially when you consider that the official range of the 2015 Tesla Model S is 265 miles. Of course, only part of this has to do with the drivetrain, as the aforementioned aerodynamics certainly play a role. But a really good drivetrain is also a necessary part of being able to claim that kind of range. Audi says that the battery packs will be located between the axles and under the passenger compartment, giving a low center of gravity and the best possible handling. Electric cars tend to be heavy, and handling suffers as a result, so if Audi’s design really does deliver markedly improved handling, it’ll be a welcome feature for this segment. The electricity is transmitted to the wheels via three motors, one for the front and two for the back. Since all four wheels get power, Audi is referring to it as “electrified Quattro,” but mechanically it is obviously a completely different system from the all-wheel-drive systems found in Audi’s internal combustion cars.

Conclusion

Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept
There are only so many meaningful conclusions that we can reach before the car actually debuts, but Audi’s range claims are very interesting indeed. Charging times for electric cars might still lag far behind fueling times for cars with internal combustion engines, but cars like these with a range of over 300 miles make that much less of an issue. It’s still not something that you could take on a long road trip, but it does get the electric car closer to being an option as an only car. And a great bonus would be if this turned out to the be the concept car that actually has the crazy futuristic interior when it reaches production. It could happen.
LOVE IT
  • Overall range seems plentiful
  • Finally a new Audi styling language
  • Cool interior design
LEAVE IT
  • Probably not many details will be preserved on the road-going version
  • Tesla Model X will be the first luxury electric crossover

Press Release

Electric driving at Audi is a pleasure, not a compromise. The brand is demonstrating this with the Audi e-tron quattro concept at the International Motor Show (IAA) 2015 in Frankfurt. The sporty SUV provides an outlook on the brand’s first large-series electric car.
The Audi e-tron quattro concept is designed from the ground up as an electric car and proves to be pioneering in its segment at the very first glance. It follows the Audi “Aerosthetics” concept, combining technical measures for reducing aerodynamic drag with creative design solutions. Movable aerodynamic elements at the front, on the sides and at the rear improve the air flow around the car. The aerodynamically optimized underbody is completely closed. With a cd value of 0.25, the car sets a new record in the SUV segment. This contributes considerably to the long range of more than 500 kilometers (310 miles).
The study is based on the second-generation modular longitudinal platform, which provides considerable scope for the drive system and package. Its length is between that of the Audi Q5 and the Q7. Its typical SUV body and flat, coupe-like cabin give the Audi e-tron quattro concept a very dynamic appearance. The spacious interior offers room for four people.
The large lithium-ion battery is positioned between the axles and below the passenger compartment. This installation position provides for a low center of gravity and a balanced axle load distribution. And that gives the car better driving dynamics and driving safety than other vehicles in the segment.
Audi uses its experience with the electrically driven Audi R8 e-tron sports car for the drive system. Three electric motors – one on the front axle and two on the rear axle – drive the Audi e-tron quattro concept. And that makes it an electrified quattro, the e-tron quattro –efficient and dynamic at the same time.

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