Photo: S. Baldauf / R. Kah
Porsche, BMW and Mercedes are all locked in a bitter battle over the plug-in SUV market. But Audi wants to show big off-roaders can rely on electricity even more than you might think. That's why they put together this e-tron quattro concept, a demonstrator of their best ideas.
Frankfurt is known as Europe's car town, and the locals will probably be impressed with all the gizmos on the e-tron quattro. Simply put, they've reinvented everything except the wheel. Mirrors are replaced by cameras; aerodynamic elements come out of nowhere, and the cabin integrates everything so smartly.
Few volume brands have as many PHEVs as Audi. However, together with Volkswagen, they plan on introducing even more, 20 models by 2020. Every core brand will come with a plug-in hybrid model.
Let's forget about what these potential Skoda and SEAT models will look like. Why? Because Audi promises to play in the same league as Tesla Motors.
While the e-tron name might conjure up images of electrified R8s, this concept is designed to preview a car for family men with a conscience. Just like the Tesla Model X, the e-tron quattro will not emit a single gram of CO2 or any other greenhouse gas. Hooray, the planet is saved!
While Audi and VW officials mentioned Apple, Google and Baidu as upstart car companies, you could almost hear them say "Tesla" while talking about competition and self-improvement. While the e-tron SUV is not a pretty sight, neither is the Model X.
Maybe we've grown too accustomed to the curvaceous lines of the BMW X6 or the dignity of the Range Rover. Still, wasn't this concept supposed to preview the Q6? All we see here is a regular hatchback, not an "activity coupe".
Using that power and 800 Nm of torque (590 lb-ft), the e-tron SUV will get to 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 4.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 130.5 mph (210 km/h). Perhaps Tesla's ludicrous mode has de-sensitized you, so we'll have to mention that this is CLA 45 AMG territory.
But the bit that really impressed us is the 95-kWh battery pack. Not only does it sound like it will last forever, but Audi says that a 150-kW DC fast charger can fill up the pack in around 50 minutes.
Each unit features two electrodes and several thin layers of organic semiconductor materials. These are activated by low-voltage DC currents that change their properties. The OLED system doesn't require any reflectors or light guides. They also don't need cooling units, are more compact and produce uniform light without casting shadows. Cool stuff Audi, cool stuff!
Few volume brands have as many PHEVs as Audi. However, together with Volkswagen, they plan on introducing even more, 20 models by 2020. Every core brand will come with a plug-in hybrid model.
Let's forget about what these potential Skoda and SEAT models will look like. Why? Because Audi promises to play in the same league as Tesla Motors.
While the e-tron name might conjure up images of electrified R8s, this concept is designed to preview a car for family men with a conscience. Just like the Tesla Model X, the e-tron quattro will not emit a single gram of CO2 or any other greenhouse gas. Hooray, the planet is saved!
While Audi and VW officials mentioned Apple, Google and Baidu as upstart car companies, you could almost hear them say "Tesla" while talking about competition and self-improvement. While the e-tron SUV is not a pretty sight, neither is the Model X.
Maybe we've grown too accustomed to the curvaceous lines of the BMW X6 or the dignity of the Range Rover. Still, wasn't this concept supposed to preview the Q6? All we see here is a regular hatchback, not an "activity coupe".
Anyway, you guys want the specs, right?!
This concept car that you will never get to drive is powered three electric motors (one up front, two on the rear axle) that offer a total output of 320 kW (435 PS or 429 bhp) or a massive 370 kW (503 PS or 496 bhp) when boost is activated.Using that power and 800 Nm of torque (590 lb-ft), the e-tron SUV will get to 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 4.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 130.5 mph (210 km/h). Perhaps Tesla's ludicrous mode has de-sensitized you, so we'll have to mention that this is CLA 45 AMG territory.
But the bit that really impressed us is the 95-kWh battery pack. Not only does it sound like it will last forever, but Audi says that a 150-kW DC fast charger can fill up the pack in around 50 minutes.
Audi's first use of OLED technology
The concept has many toys on it, including a solar roof that generates 100 kilometers of extra range per year (so not worth it!). It's also the first time they've used OLED lights. Audi says it's almost ready to use this technology on turn signal indicators and taillights.Each unit features two electrodes and several thin layers of organic semiconductor materials. These are activated by low-voltage DC currents that change their properties. The OLED system doesn't require any reflectors or light guides. They also don't need cooling units, are more compact and produce uniform light without casting shadows. Cool stuff Audi, cool stuff!
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