Audi e-tron quattro concept, the electric SUV that could be a reality in 2018

The prototypes have two functions, the first is to show the technological capacity of those who develop them and the second is to anticipate the technologies, designs or solutions that the cars of that brand could adopt in the future. That is what the Ingolstadters want with the new Audi e-tron quattro concept, a 100% electric SUV prototype that was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show. According to statements Ulrich Hackenberg, responsible for Technical Development, Audi will launch a large electric SUV for 2018.

With the Audi e-tron quattro, the designers have opted for an SUV Coupé design in a 4,88 meters in length, 1,93 meters wide and 1,54 meters high. The shapes of the body together with the wide wheel arches and the descending roof line achieve a plumb and robust appearance for the concept, although nothing is casual and the aerodynamics have been worked on until achieving a drag coefficient of only 0.25, improper of an SUV. From 80 km/h it has a series of active aerodynamic elements, although less striking than those of the Mercedes Concept IAA.

Up to 503 electric horsepower

The Audi e-tron quattro has three electric motors with which it achieves 435 horsepower in normal operation, although the boost function allows, occasionally, to reach no less than 503 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque engine. With such figures, reaching 0-100 in 4,6 seconds is not a problem and it will surely not take long to reach the 210km/h top speed limited.

Of the three electric motors that the Audi e-tron quattro concept has, one is responsible for moving the front axle, while the remaining two act on the rear. An electronic management system is responsible for agreeing the three engines based on the driver's requirements. The system Torque ControlManager It is responsible for distributing the torque in the appropriate way on the rear axle when we seek the most dynamic behavior.

This electric prototype has a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 95 kWh, with which it achieves a autonomy of 500 kilometers. The battery has been integrated into the lower part of the passenger compartment, between the two axles, thus achieving a more appropriate weight distribution and lowering the center of gravity.

To recharge the batteries the Audi e-tron quattro concept offers different options. allows the charging with alternating or direct current and in the second case, with a power of 150 kWh, it can be fully charged in just 50 minutes. There is also a system of wireless charging, where the Park Assist will help us to place the car in the proper position on the induction charging system. Finally, the solar panels on the roof of the prototype also help keep the batteries electrically charged.

To improve the performance and handling of the Audi e-tron quattro concept, the brand with the four rings has equipped it with a adaptive air suspension, which also contributes to efficiency by lowering ride height at high speed. Front dynamic steering together with the steering rear axle makes this concept car have a better dynamic behavior and above all, better maneuverability.

At the forefront of technology

The latest technologies present in Audi production models as well as those to come are present in the e-tron quattro concept. For exterior lighting Audi uses the most advanced LED systems, such as headlights MatrixLEDs. Inside, OLED indicators are used that can be perfectly adapted to design requirements. Virtually all controls inside are touch. A more advanced digital instrument cluster is also integrated. Audi virtual cockpit as well as some mirrors digital mirrors, which show the image on curved displays.

But the highlight is that in this prototype Audi has combined all the piloted driving developed so far. Radars, video cameras, ultrasound sensors and a laser scanner are responsible for analyzing the entire environment of the vehicle, so that the car can later know how to interpret them and, consequently, move forward autonomously. This technology, according to those responsible for Audi, is already ready to be integrated into production vehicles.

Source – Audi