Transparent strategy
The Audi study has a transparent single-frame front.
SUVs with a less bulky rear are called Sportbacks at Audi. With the all-electric and all-wheel drive study activesphere concept, the VW subsidiary is now taking a big step further towards the “Active Sportback”. Because the almost five meter long crossover with clear lines, large wheel arches and deep-treaded wheels on 22-inch rims is also a very ambitious off-roader – and a pick-up.
The transformation of the younger brother of the skysphere, grandsphere and urbansphere studies from a closed luxury all-wheel drive vehicle to a load carrier for all kinds of leisure and sports equipment is worth seeing: at the push of a button, the entire rear window slides up almost flush over the glass roof, and at the same time the lower rear part folds horizontally , a fixed wind deflector moves up behind the rear seats. The loading area is complete with attachment options for bikes, skis, golf bags or water sports equipment.
Another possible metamorphosis of the study is intended more as a show act. Thanks to the air suspension as in the allroad models, the ground clearance of the activesphere concept can be varied between 20.8 and 24.8 centimetres. The body shows teeth – in the form of metal strips attached below the waistline with offset lugs. They separate when lifted and provide a jagged off-road look at the front, rear and sides.
4.98 meters long, 2.07 meters wide and 1.60 meters high, wheelbase 2.97 meters: The study based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) is definitely a pointer to production models such as the Q6, which will debut later this year, and the A6 announced for 2024. The latter should have almost identical external dimensions and the same wheelbase.
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The operating concept of the technology platform is oriented much further into the future. It is ready for autonomous driving at level 4, so it can do the work on its own on routes designed for this. Consequently, the steering wheel and pedals can be completely folded away. In autonomous mode, the pilot, seated in one of the four bucket-shaped seats, only has a flat, largely empty dashboard in front of him.
Virtual Controllers
Fascinating technology: the rotary climate control is operated virtually in the Audi activesphere concept.
Plenty of space
The four bucket seats behind the doors that open in opposite directions are hung in the center tunnel
And he has to wear glasses. This is a very special kind of visual aid. With its possible uses, it goes far beyond what virtual reality glasses can do today. It depicts the content of the augmented reality known from head-up displays in three dimensions with a spatial reference to the real world. It sounds complicated, and it feels that way when you try it for the first time.
The manufacturer calls his invention Audi Dimensions. With their help, it is possible to intervene in the display of augmented reality content for the first time. For example, people in all seats can only touch virtual controls such as for air conditioning or infotainment, first place them in the right place and then use them to regulate the temperature or select the next playlist – just like in the analogue world.
Virtual navigation system
Autonomous: Audi dimensions makes the route guidance visible in three dimensions using VR glasses
Inviting
The open loading area allows easy transport of leisure equipment.
And that without bending over or stretching your arm. In the future, the glasses will also replace tablets or PCs when choosing a route at home or when arranging a service appointment online. Or point the way to the best single trail on a bike trip.
Many other details of the activesphere concept will fit into the near future. For example, the two electric motors at the front and rear with a system output of 325 kW/442 hp and a torque of 720 Newton meters. The same applies to the resulting quattro drive and the possible range of around 600 kilometers with a full 100 kWh battery.
The 800-volt charging technology installed in the study, as in the e-tron GT quattro, is also intended for future PPE models. Thanks to a charging capacity of up to 270 kW, a range of around 300 kilometers can be refueled in ten minutes, according to Audi.
More: This is how VW wants to lead the icons Golf, GTI and Tiguan into the e-age