If you were to take a look at these first official photos of the new Audi Sport Quattro Concept and wonder whether Ingolstadt has just reheated its 2010 Quattro Concept –you know, the one that was heading for production but was reportedly killed off so resources could be freed for the development of a coupe crossover, we wouldn’t blame you one bit. However, you’d be slightly wrong – and we’ll soon explain why.
True, we had to double and triple check the two sets of photos from each concept version of the Quattro coupe to spot the styling changes, as the new model looks like it’s a facelift of the original study.
From these photos at least, the design differences we noted include the new headlamp fixtures with Audi’s newly released Matrix LED units, the revised front bumper that gains bigger side air vents and a more prominent lip spoiler, the addition of vents on the front fenders, new wheels and redesigned tail lamps,
The four-seater cabin features a similar feel but different styling than the previous concept. Among other highlights are the fully digital instrument cluster that offers different modes, and the air conditioning control unit, which is integrated directly into the air vents.
The real surprise comes once you take a look at the new Sport Quattro’s dimensions, as you will discover that it’s a much bigger car than the older study at 4,602 millimeters (181.18 in) long, 1,964 millimeters (77.32 in) wide and 1,386 millimeters (54.57 in) tall. The 2010 Quattro Concept measured 4,280mm long, 1,860mm wide, and 1,330mm tall. The same applies for the new model’s 2,784 millimeters (109.61 in) wheelbase that’s 184mm longer than the previous concept’s 2,600mm wheelbase.
Audi says the concept has lightweight construction with the occupant cell combining ultra-high-strength steel panels and cast aluminum structural elements, with the doors and fenders made of aluminum, and the roof, the engine hood and the rear hatch of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. Including the battery pack, it tips the scales at a not-so-lightweight 1,850 kg (4,079 lb).
The differences continue under the hood where the new Sport Quattro ditches the older concept’s 408HP 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five linked to a 6sp manual for a new hybrid powertrain. The latter pairs a 552hp (560PS) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 to a disc-shaped electric motor producing 148hp (150PS) and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft), which draws its traction energy from a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery in the rear with a capacity of 14.1 kW. The hybrid system’s output is 691hp (700PS) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft), with a modified eight-speed tiptronic transmission sending power to all four wheels via the quattro powertrain.
The electric motor and V8 engine can work in tandem or independently. When the former happens, the Sport Quattro Concept accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 3.7 seconds and can top out at 305 km/h (190 mph).
Audi says the show car consumes on average 2.5l/100km (94 US mpg or 113 mpg UK), with a CO2 equivalent of 59g/km (94.95 g/mile), adding that it can cover up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) on electric power alone.
Whether this one will make it to production, as many sources have previously stated, remains to be seen, with more information on that to be announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Thanks to Bruno R. for the heads up!
PHOTO GALLERY
