Emission-free propulsion system, four electric motors, quattro all-wheel drive… At the IAA (Frankfurt Motor Show) Audi presents its vision of the 4×4 of the future.
SUV + electric. Two concepts that are undoubtedly very fashionable in the motor world merge, and in what way, in the prototype that Audi presents at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), which is held from September 12 to 22 in the german city.
Everything is in plain sight in the Audi AI:TRAIL quattro
Combination of autonomous driving with excellent off-road capabilities. This is how Audi presents its new futuristic jewel. The glass that surrounds the passenger compartment extends to ground level, with which the visual experience is total, without a doubt its future users will enjoy nature to the fullest, at least through their eyes.
With a length of 4.15 meters and a width of 2.15 m, the Audi AI: TRAIL is clearly designed to escape the asphalt as quickly as possible. Its height of 1.67 m, its height to the ground of 34 centimeters and its huge 22-inch wheels finish ensuring that philosophy. In fact, this prototype can ford water passages more than half a meter deep.
The interior, in which the design of polygonal shapes is multiplied, is designed for four people to tackle the most difficult paths in comfort. The electric propulsion system is located next to the axles, and the battery extends over the entire floor of the vehicle, so there is no need for large overhangs or separate sections for the motor and the housing of the batteries themselves. And it’s all packed into a single minivan design that’s becoming standard for the electric vehicle era.
The frame of the Audi AI: TRAIL, made of a combination of high-tech steel, aluminum and carbon fiber, is the main culprit that a vehicle so powerful in appearance only weighs 1,750 kilos.
infinite crystals
Inside, the angled fold of the windows gives the passenger unexpected shoulder and elbow clearance, as well as clearing the view to the ground – a distinctly innovative concept. In this way, by moving through nature, new spaces open up to our eyes. In fact, we can even see the suspension in action, because instead of bulky wheel arches, the only thing that can be seen on the tires are horizontal fins.
But if we look up, we never cease to be surprised, since the front of the vehicle resembles the cockpit of a helicopter, with a completely clear view both front and side. And not to mention the huge panoramic roof. And as an anecdote, to further multiply the visual sensations of the concept, the Singleframe grille has a glass effect. The trunk, whose tailgate opens completely, offers large separate and strapped storage compartments.
The interior of the TRAIL quattro does not lag behind in futurism to the exterior
Returning to the interior, a few control elements are barely visible: the pedals, a yoke-shaped steering wheel, some buttons and a smartphone connected to the steering column, which acts as a screen and control center for the vehicle’s functions. and navigation.
Blue, gray and earthy tones predominate, in full integration with the nature that surrounds us. In addition, since we are so ecologists, many of the AI:TRAIL materials are recycled, such as the carpet, made with processed wool and recycled leather, both sustainable, durable and with excellent acoustic and climatic properties.
The “hammock rear seats” of the Audi AI:TRAIL quattro
The rear seats are especially curious, as they are designed as hammocks. Some fabric panels form a comfortable seat and back when stretched on a transportable tubular frame. These seats allow the occupants to relax not only inside the passenger compartment, since they can be removed from the vehicle and used as mobile seats outside.
Instead of conventional headlights, the AI:TRAIL mounts LED light sources that sit below the A-pillars, so they can illuminate both the exterior and interior. The rear light works in a similar way and can illuminate the trunk.
Audi AI:TRAIL quattro drones have multiple uses in concept car lighting
Instead of the conventional low and high beam, the Audi AI:TRAIL is equipped with five triangular-shaped rotorless electric drones with integrated LED matrix elements. They can be placed on the roof bars or directly on the vehicle to connect to an inductive charging system. In this way, these drones can fly in front of the prototype to light the way, completely replacing the headlights. These “lights in the sky” can even transmit a video image to the vehicle’s screen via WiFi.
With the vehicle stationary, these drones can also illuminate the surrounding area from the roof, illuminating when, for example, the occupants are enjoying an evening picnic next to the vehicle. Or even illuminate the interior of the vehicle through the panoramic roof.
The Audi Light Companion complements this futuristic lighting of the concept car. This is a large lantern-shaped light source that is magnetically attached to the front of the seat, where it acts as an ambient light. But it can also be taken out of the vehicle, where, thanks to its housing with three articulated legs, it can be used to turn it into a campfire lamp or a short-throw projector.
Autonomy Level 4
If we are talking about a futuristic vehicle, we cannot ignore its level of autonomous driving. In this case we are talking about Level 4, the second highest on the autonomy scale, where, on highways or city centers, the driver can completely transfer the task of driving to the system. The driver should only resume driving when the vehicle leaves the zone defined for fully autonomous driving. For this reason alone, the Audi AI:TRAIL quattro is equipped with a steering wheel and pedals.
However, today the roads and dirt tracks are not yet sufficiently registered and digitally mapped, so the level of autonomy of this prototype in “off-road” reaches Level 3, when the driver will have several seconds to be able to resume command.
In any case, electronics continues to be the driver’s most important ally when leaving the asphalt, with multiple sensors and assistance systems that ensure driving as safe as it is fun on the most difficult terrain.
500 kilometers of autonomy
And let’s not forget that we are talking about an electric vehicle, which according to its battery reaches 400 or 500 kilometers of autonomy, which logically is reduced by half when we drive on particularly difficult terrain. Of course, it is not a vehicle to fly, and therefore its maximum speed is 130 km/h.
The maximum power reaches 435 horses, and its maximum torque exceeds 1,000 Nm. As the wheels are individually powered, the vehicle can dispense with differentials and locks, thereby saving energy.
The impressive wheels of the “off-road of the future”, according to Audi
The TRAIL quattro, like the previous ME, RACE and AICON prototypes, share the name Audi AI, the code with which the German firm classifies vehicles that feature a variety of electronic systems that reduce driver stress and, at the same time, At the same time, they offer new ways to use the time spent in the car. To do this, Audi AI also uses strategies and technologies from the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Audi AI systems are capable of learning and thinking, while being proactive and personal. In this way, the models of the brand with the four rings will be intelligent and empathetic in the future.
Audi RS 7 Sportback
In addition to the AI:TRAIL quattro, and the first public appearances of the new RS 6 Avant, A1 citycarver, Q3 Sportback, Q7 and A4, as well as the new Audi e-tron FE06, which will compete in Formula E, the other great novelty that presents Audi at the Frankfurt Motor Show is the second generation of the RS 7 Sportback.
The RS 7 Sportback, the second great innovation from Audi at the Frankfurt Motor Show
This second generation of the RS 7 Sportback is now more exclusive than ever. In addition, it arrives for the first time with five seats and widened bodywork, as well as improved performance and efficiency thanks to Mild Hybrid technology. It will be available at European dealerships at the end of 2019.
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