During a media presentation held ahead of the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi unveiled its Urban Sportback and Spyder concept cars in the flesh. Up until now, the Ingolstadt-based automaker had only released sketches and computer generated images of its 1+1 seater studies.

Designed for use in urban and metropolitan areas, the tiny twins are powered by an electric drivetrain and feature a seating for two in a tandem layout.

The Urban Sportback is fitted with a canopy that forms part of the body and slides up and to the rear, while the roofless Spyder features a flat window strip wrapping around the cockpit and doors that open upward at an angle.

The concepts measure 3,219 millimeters (126.73 in) long, 1,678 millimeters (66.06 in) wide and just 1,189 millimeters (46.81 in) tall (Sportback).

Audi says that while the design of the Urban concept is new, certain details evoke current or previous models including the open wheels (Auto Union racecars of the 1930s), the red contour (R8) and of course the hexagonal frame grille.

Inside, the approach is minimalistic with Audi claiming “the interior was subjugated to the strict dictates of ultra-lightweight construction”.

The driver, who sits in front and to the left of the passenger, can adjust the positions of the aluminum pedals (by 140mm or 5.51-in.) and the steering column (60mm or 2.36-in.) for a custom driving position.

Highlights include the satellite controls for the heater and two large air vents, while the flooring is covered in a textile originally developed for athletic shoes and which is said to be water repellant and durable.

The outer body of the show car is made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) while the passenger compartment is a mix of CFRP monocoque and an aluminum structure. As a result, the Urban Sportback tips the scales at a low 480 kilograms (1,058.22 lb).

The tiny duo ride on a set of free-standing lightweight 21-inch wheels featuring a blade design from the Audi e-tron models, wrapped around 125/60 tires up front and 145/50 in the rear.

Audi says the Urban concepts use pushrod technology borrowed from motorsports with the struts mounted in the interior of the monocoque in a nearly horizontal position. Four disc brakes provide the stopping power.

Motivation is provided by a pair of electric motors delivering together a continuous output of 20HP (15kW) and 47 Nm (34.67 lb-ft) of torque. The motors are mounted between the rear wheels, which they drive through a single-speed transmission.

A lithium-ion battery, which weighs in at around 90 kg (198.42 lb) and stores 7.1 kWh of usable energy, is mounted transversely behind the seats. The battery recharges completely in about 20 minutes with 400-volt three-phase current, and in approximately one hour with 230 volt household current. Audi says that aside from charging at a power outlet, it is also working on a wireless charging system.

The Urban concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in around six seconds and can reach 100 km/h (62mph) in 16.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically governed at 100 km/h (62.14 mph), while the driving range is 73km or 45 miles.

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