Audi continues the presentation of its “Sphere” concept car range with this time the Activesphere, a kind of crossover halfway between a pick-up and an SUV Coupé, with the emphasis on all-round capabilities. – terrain above average. A kind of competitor to the Tesla Cybertruck, and a preview of the future electric Audi A6 Allroad.
What will the electric Audi of the future look like? The manufacturer with the rings has already given us several answers with its series of “Sphere” concept cars, of which here is a new draft. The model presented in the photo is called “Activesphere” and is placed in a new segment halfway between a coupe SUV and a pickup. All 100% electric of course.
The Audi Activesphere concept is 4.98 meters long, 2.07 meters wide and 1.60 meters high. It combines the proportions of a sports car with those of a crossover. The generous wheelbase of 2.97 meters maximizes space on board and gives the whole a robust silhouette. The LED optics can also change their light signature depending on the driving mode selected.
The lines are not so aggressive, with a rather fluid design overall. The wide wheel arches house 22-inch rims wrapped in 285/55 tires designed for steep paths. The rims have an active aerodynamic system with flaps that open to better ventilate the brakes in the event of intensive use, and close to promote the flow of air flows and thus improve autonomy.
The height of the car also varies. Suspension can alter ride height up to eight centimeters depending on the type of terrain. In the most off-road configuration, the ride height can reach up to 24.8cm, with an angle of attack of 18.9° and an angle of departure of 28.1°. Values close to the best 4×4.
A handy little dumpster
By simply pressing a command, the Activesphere can turn into a kind of mini pickup. As you can see in the photos, it’s a small dumpster, which is not really comparable to that of the Tesla Cybertruck, but it’s all in all quite logical since the Audi concept measures one meter in height. less in length than the American pick-up.
In this loading space, Audi specifies that it is possible to put electric bicycles there for example, while on the roof, we can put luggage racks for skis and any other equipment for activities. outdoors.
Adventurer, but above all very technological
The interior is such an important part that, according to Audi, the design of the car started first with the cabin and continued on the outside. On board, the curves of the bodywork contrast with a more daring style, with right angles and polished surfaces that exude precision and the care given to technologies.
Red elements contrast with black, anthracite and gray trim on the seats and door panels. The four seats have a fairly minimalist design and become the central element of the car when the concept makes the steering wheel and pedals “disappear” in autonomous driving mode.
Audi has also integrated a very advanced augmented reality system. By wearing glasses specifically designed for this concept, passengers can see a whole series of graphics relating to navigation and travel.
In addition, the movement of the hands allows you to control the climate control and change the driving settings on the dashboard. Even, if you decide to take the wheel in hand, the glasses allow you to see through the bodywork, highlighting in particular the action of the quattro all-wheel drive system.
The new electric platform of the Volkswagen Group in filigree
The Audi Activesphere is based on the new PPE platform, an electrical architecture developed in collaboration with Porsche. The first production model to be equipped with this platform will arrive in 2023 and it will be the new 100% electric Porsche Macan.
The Premium Platform electric platform is designed to exclusively accommodate electric powertrains. This modular architecture will soon become the norm within the Volkswagen group, equipping small B-segment models to imposing and opulent SUVs.
Within the Audi concept, we find a battery with a capacity of 100 kWh with two electric motors, one located at the front and the other at the rear. The cumulative power is 325 kW (442 hp) and 720 Nm of torque. The platform is based on an 800-volt architecture (like that of the Audi e-tron GT quattro) making it possible to charge up to 270kW. With this power, the concept can go from 5 to 80% power in less than 25 minutes. Its autonomy is estimated at 600km.
If the other “sphere” concept cars from Audi announce several electric models to come from Audi, this Activesphere concept is intended to be a little more ambitious. It may be of a draft of the future Audi A6 Allroad, the adventurer model of the A6 that we currently know, or it may be a new model, from the same segment as the A6, but halfway between sedan and SUV. A very fashionable segment at the moment. It remains to be seen whether the mini tipper system, which is very practical in this case, will be found on the production model.
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