Editor’s Note: 27 May, 2019
Subsequent to the publication of the original story in 2013, Audi has released a full video (featured below) documenting the Sport quattro concept’s design process.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Sport quattro – the short-wheelbase coupe originally conceived for the rally stages – Audi will unveil its conceptual successor at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Sport quattro concept show car aims to continue the grand quattro tradition, with a coupe silhouette and plug-in hybrid drive delivering a system output of 700PS.
quattro is Audi and Audi is quattro – the brand and the technology are indelibly linked. Since the debut of the “Ur-quattro” in 1980, Audi has sold more than five million cars with permanent all-wheel drive, more than any other premium manufacturer worldwide.
Squatting on 21-inch centre-locking wheels with a five twin-spoke design, the Sport quattro concept’s foursquare look is largely attributable to an overall length of 4,602 millimetres, a wide width of 1,964 millimetres and a height of only 1,386 millimetres, underpinned by a wheelbase of 2,784 millimetres.
The vehicle’s exterior styling pays homage to the quattro models of the early 1980s. For example, the angular, flat C-pillars and the rectangular double headlights featuring Audi’s latest Matrix LED technology.
The front of the show car is characterised by the hexagonal single-frame grille with a new, sculpted grille insert, an element borrowed from motorsport say the designers. The grille is part of Audi’s new design philosophy and provides a first glimpse at the future design of the high performance production models.
Unusually, the headlights do not have a fascia, exposing the LED heat sinks, while the tail lights have been designed to reduce glass and housing to a minimum.
The grille’s lower section is virtually vertical; the upper section follows the line of the bonnet. The low grille emphasises the width of the car. Two large, vertical blades divide each of the large air inlets, and their form is taken up by the creases in the bonnet. The Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) splitter is shifted far to the front, in the style of a racing car.
Another design tribute are the reinterpreted “blisters” above the wings. The proportions of the rear of the car are defined by the combination of a flat greenhouse and broadened shoulders. The spoiler at the lower edge of the rear window underscores the car’s width. Another styling element at the rear of the show car is the CFRP diffuser, which extends far upward. Similar to the single-frame grille, its upper section is honeycombed, whereas the lower section houses two large, oval tailpipes. Mounted on a black CFRP facing, the tail lights are rectangular – a typical quattro styling cue – and, again, emphasise the width of the car. A spoiler extends from the rear hatch at higher speeds. The luggage compartment, which is reinforced by a solid crossbeam beneath the rear shelf, has a capacity of 300 litres (10.59 cubic ft).
On the inside, lightweight construction is reflected both in the design and in the choice of materials. Viewed from above, the slim dashboard is designed to recall the wing of a glider. The support structure of the interior is a carbon shell that also serves as a storage compartment in the side doors.
The quattro drivetrain runs beneath the continuous centre console. Racing-inspired bucket seats with folding backs, sculpted side bolsters and integrated head restraints up front don’t inhibit access to the two rear seats thanks to their folding mechanism. A crossbeam is introduced behind the rear seats to provide additional rigidity.
A multifunction sports steering wheel provides a glimpse into future Audi production models. The steering wheel is used to switch between a number of virtual 3D displays. All important information is displayed in the fully digital instrument cluster.
Choices include a Race mode with central speedometer, track information and a stopwatch, for example, or the Setup mode with detailed information about numerous race circuits.
Another interesting feature is the air conditioning control unit, which is integrated directly into the air vents. Temperature, intensity and air flow can be controlled using one and the same element. The display in the vents shows either important media information or the air conditioning settings.
Underneath, the plug-in hybrid drive has an output of 700PS and system torque of 800 Nm (590.05 lb-ft). Power flows through a modified eight-speed tiptronic transmission to the quattro powertrain, which features a sport differential on the rear axle. Audi claims the show car is capable of up to 113mpg, equating to CO2 output of 59 grams per kilometre.
The combustion engine is a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8. It produces 560PS and 700 Nm (516.29 lb-ft) of torque. The cylinder on demand (COD) system, which deactivates four cylinders under part load, and a start-stop system make the eight-cylinder unit more efficient.
Located between the 4.0 TFSI unit and the transmission is a disc-shaped electric motor producing 110 kW and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft). It draws its traction energy from a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery in the rear with a capacity of 14.1 kWh. The quattro concept can cover up to 31 miles on electric power alone.
The driver can choose a choice of three driving modes. EV mode is for purely electric driving; Hybrid mode for maximum efficiency and Sport mode for maximum performance.
According to official Audi figures, when the V8 and the electric motor work together, the concept car accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds. Its top speed is 189mph.
Audi says the lightweight construction concept also plays a large part in this dynamic performance. The occupant cell combines ultra-high-strength steel panels and cast aluminium structural elements. The doors and wings are made of aluminium, and the roof, the bonnet and the rear hatch are made of CFRP. The result is a kerb weight including the battery pack of 1,850 kilograms.
Chassis detailing includes front suspension with five control arms per wheel; the rear suspension follows the Audi track-controlled trapezoidal link principle. The steering varies its ratio as a function of driving speed, while the brake callipers grip large, carbon fibre-ceramic brake discs, and the tyre format is 285/30 R 21.
Source: Audi
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