A new concept that gives us a glimpse of Audi’s design language for its future crossovers was revealed today at the German automaker’s stand at the Paris Auto Show.
The Crosslane Coupe (which may or may not preview a Q2 production model), is built around an innovative Multimaterial Space Frame made from aluminum, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP).
The occupant cell is made of aluminum, as are the beams beneath the front lid that act as supporting members and join the single-frame grill to the passenger cell.
CFRP is used for the construction of the front and rear crash structures as well as the inner sills, the center tunnel, the bulkhead and the floor cross-members. The rest of the bodywork is made of GFRP reinforced, in part, with CFRP.
The use of lightweight materials results in a total weight of about 1,390 kg (3,064 pounds), including the large lithium-ion battery pack.
The Crosslane Coupe is a plug-in, dual-mode hybrid that combines an internal combustion engines, two electric motors, a battery pack and a single-stage transmission.
The combustion engine is a three-cylinder turbocharged 1.5-liter TSFI with an output of 130PS (128HP) and 200 Nm (147.5 lb-ft) of torque. The TFSI engine is coupled to an electric motor, labeled EM1, with 68PS (67HP) and 210 Nm (154.9 lb-ft) of torque. The EM2 functions primarily as a starter and alternator and is coupled to the internal combustion engine via a claw clutch.
A second electric motor, the EM2, which has an output of 116PS (114HP) and 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque, provides electrical traction.
The concept‘s hybrid system has two different operating modes (hence the dual-mode moniker). From standstill to 55 km/h (34mph), it is driven solely by the EM2, which is powered by the 17.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. In serial mode, the three-cylinder and the EM1 produce electrical energy that charges the battery.
At speeds above 55 km/h (34 mph), the system allows the internal combustion engine and the EM1 to engage in the drivetrain, while above 128 km/h (80 mph) the internal combustion engine is the primary source of power and, if needed, can be aided by the EM1.
Total combined output is 177PS (174HP), with the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint being completed in 6.8 seconds in dual-mode and 9.8 seconds in pure electric mode. Top speed is 181 km/h (113 mph), electric driving range is around 85 km (53 miles) and fuel consumption can be as low as 1.1 lt/100 km (256.8 mpg Imperial, 213.8 mpg US) and CO2 emissions just 26 g/km.
The driver can choose between two settings: in “cruise” mode the drivetrain operates as efficiently as possible, while in “race” it produces maximum performance.
The two-door Crosslane Coupe is 4.21 m (164.2 inches) long, 1.88 m (73.3 inches) wide and 1.51 m (58.9 inches) high, has a 2.56 m (99.8-inch) wheelbase and a 2+2 seat configuration.
Its bodywork sports a single-frame grille that is divided by struts, LED trapezoidal headlamps, large air intakes in the front bumper and two narrow openings in the bonnet that let outsiders take a peek at the upper members of the aluminum Multimaterial Space Frame.
The Crosslane Coupe has an ultralight CFRP roof that weighs less than 10 kg (22 pounds) and can be released electrically and stored over the boot’s load area.
The side doors extend down thanks to the very low sills and when they open they reveal aluminum members of the chassis. At the rear, the flat C-pillar and the low glasshouse emphasize the “coupe” moniker in Audi’s concept moniker and the taillights, which are divided in two sections by the boot lid, are similar in design to the headlamps.
An aluminum diffuser is incorporated in the CFRP rear bumper and the boot, which forms a separate shell within the space frame, can be extended about 40 cm forwards by the push of a button. In this position, when the roof is removed it protects the luggage while at the same time an extra storage space under the boot becomes accessible.
The interior is mostly made out of CFRP with aluminum elements and the floor is made of GFRP. The low dashboard is driver-oriented, the instrument panel includes virtual displays and the air conditioning controls incorporate very small displays.
Both driver and front passenger seats feature integrated head restraints, part leather upholstery and are electrically adjusted, while the center console incorporates a large touchpad that controls most functions and a large selector lever that sprouts out electrically when the car is started.
You can scroll down to view the image gallery and the official Audi Crossover Coupe video right after the break.
By Andrew Tsaousis
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