Image credits: © Audi.
Press Release
Audi provides a glimpse of the future shape of design, along with
automotive and drive concepts, through its Audi crosslane coupé concept
car. This vehicle is an entirely new fusion of technology, engineering
and design, and provides pointers to the design language of Audi’s
future Q models.
With a Multimaterial Space Frame, the vehicle concept strikes out along
entirely new paths with regard to weight, costs and energy usage over
its lifecycle, and is an evolutionary stage of Audi ultra – the
lightweight construction principle from Audi.
An innovative and efficient plug-in hybrid drive based on a purpose-designed
1.5-liter three-cylinder TFSI and two electric motors redefines the
benchmark, with fuel consumption of only 1.1 liters per 100 km (213.81
US mpg) and CO2 emissions of just 26 grams per km (41.84 grams per
mile).
The result is a cosmopolitan vehicle that will appeal to young, sporty
customers in particular thanks to its removable roof and the
customizable services available under the Audi connect concept.
Pioneering concept: the Multimaterial Space Frame
The Multimaterial Space Frame of the compact Audi crosslane coupé is
comprised of three materials – aluminum, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer
(CFRP), and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP). The concept car has
an unladen weight of about 1,390 kg (3,064.43 lb), including the large
lithium-ion battery.
The aluminum profiles form a continuous, rigid structure around the
occupant cell. Beams beneath the front lid join the single-frame grille,
which performs a supporting function and is also made from aluminum,
with the occupant cell.
The front and rear crash structures are made from CFRP and the
supporting CFRP structures inside the occupant cell include the inner
sills, the center tunnel, the bulkhead, and the cross-members in the
floor. Surface GFRP components with partial CFRP reinforcements complete
the body concept.
Audi is convinced that the highly integrated Multimaterial Space
Frame is the right path to the future. Its weight is of the same
magnitude as a monolithic body of CFRP. It also offers convincing
advantages in terms of costs to the customer and its energy usage in a
life cycle assessment.
Innovative: dual-mode hybrid concept
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 130 kW (177 hp). The Audi crosslane
coupé sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.6 seconds, and in
pure electric mode takes 9.8 seconds. The car’s top speed is 182 km/h
(113.09 mph). Its average fuel consumption is a mere 1.1 liters per 100
km (213.81 US mpg) and it emits 26 grams per km (41.84 grams per mile)
of CO2. The lithium-ion battery has an output of 17.4 kWh, sufficient
for an operating range of around 86 km (53.44 miles) in the electric
mode.
The combustion engine is a purpose-developed three-cylinder TFSI with
a displacement of 1.5 liters, delivering an output of 95 kW (130 hp)
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 50 kW (68 hp) and 210 Nm
(154.89 lb-ft) of torque. Electrical traction is provided by the second
electric motor (EM 2) developing 85 kW (116 hp) 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 dual-mode hybrid concept enables different operating modes. From 0
up to 55 km/h (34.18 mph), drive power is supplied solely by the EM 2,
which draws the energy it needs primarily from the battery. In serial
mode, the combustion engine and the alternator (EM 1) produce electrical
energy to support, relieve or substitute the battery should it be
discharged.
The electric mode is possible up to 130 km/h (80.78 mph). Starting at
about 55 km/h (34.18 mph) 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 optimize both efficiency and
performance. Above 130 km/h (80.78 mph), the three-cylinder engine
becomes the main drive source but the EM 1 can support it if required.
The driver of the Audi crosslane coupé can choose between the
“cruise” and “race” settings. The “cruise” mode prioritizes electric
driving. The driver does not notice either gear changes or the power
source kicking in. When the TFSI is running, its engine speed is always
adapted to the road speed – without a “rubber-band” effect. The high
efficiency of the transmission makes the dual-mode hybrid drive
especially efficient in urban traffic.
Forward-looking: exterior design
The 2+2-seater Audi crosslane coupé is 4.21 meters long (13.81 ft),
1.88 meters wide (6.17 ft) and 1.51 meters high (4.95 ft), with a
wheelbase of 2.56 meters (8.40 ft). 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 single-frame grille, which is subdivided into several segments by
struts, dominates the front end. Its prominent frame is integrated into
the Multimaterial Space Frame as a supporting element. This solution
symbolizes the philosophy behind the Audi crosslane coupé: a totally new
fusion of basic concept, technology and design.
The trapezoidal headlights use Audi Matrix LED headlight technology.
Small, individually controllable light-emitting diodes generate all
lighting functions, and microreflectors enable their precise
positioning. The bumper incorporates large, mainly smooth-surfaced air
intakes. Through two narrow openings in the front lid it is possible to
glimpse the upper aluminum members of the Multimaterial Space Frame.
Along the sides, the horizontal edges are the dominant feature above
the wheels. The low greenhouse tapers into a very flat C-post,
emphasizing the coupé-like character of the Audi crosslane coupé. The
doors extend a long way down thanks to the space frame design, which
allows very low sills. The doors open to reveal the aluminum structures
of the Multimaterial Space Frame.
The tail lights are a variation on the motif of the headlights; the
trunk lid seam divides them each into two segments. The bumper, the
lower section of which is made from CFRP, incorporates an aluminum
diffuser that extends quite some way up. The roof element comprises two
CFRP shells and weighs slightly less than ten kilograms (22.05 lb). The
driver and front passenger can unlatch it by an electric drive, remove
it from the body structure and fit it over the trunk.
Moveable: trunk
The trunk 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 (15.75 in) forward 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 trunk 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 center 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 center console.
The low dashboard is very clearly turned towards the driver. The air
conditioning controls incorporate miniature displays. The virtual
displays in the instrument cluster can be toggled between two different
levels, and a powermeter visualizes the drive system’s operating
statuses.
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.
Geometric clarity: interior design
The interior design of the Audi crosslane coupé continues the design
language of the exterior in the geometrical clarity of its basic shapes;
instrument covers and the grilles on the air nozzles, for example, take
up the trapezoidal theme. The narrow gap dimensions and
three-dimensional surfaces reflect Audi’s uncompromisingly high quality
standards.
The dominant interior material of the Audi crosslane coupé is CFRP,
which is used in a number of different variations. On the dashboard
cowl, for instance, the composite fibers are all aligned in a single
direction; this unidirectional arrangement is a new departure in the
automotive sector. The CFRP parts are slightly lighter in color in some
areas and darker in others, an effect achieved by different clear coat
applications.
The aluminum elements, too, are used in a subtly differentiated way.
Most of them are machine-polished, but the air nozzles use a black
anodized light alloy. The vehicle floor is made from glass
fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) incorporating sections of a new
material: Thick cords are woven with rubber threads to form a
hard-wearing carpet.
In their leather selections, Audi designers also employed various
material grades. The most widely used grade is soft semi-aniline
leather. Velvet leather in black provides an enlivening contrast. It has
a robust, slightly coarse surface reminiscent of suede.
The equipment and data specified in this article refer to the model
range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and
omissions excepted.
0 comments:
Post a Comment