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Beijing: Audi debuts off-road TT idea

  • Rugged hybrid Audi sports car
  • Coupe looks with compact SUV utility
  • Powerful and efficient e-tron quattro drive
  • Inductive Audi Wireless Charging technology
  • “A glimpse of a future TT family”

The Audi TT offroad concept aims to combine the dynamic appeal of a coupe with the practicality and adaptability of a compact SUV.

The four-door model, unveiled at the 2014 Beijing auto show, adds an entirely new dimension to the Audi design language, says the automaker. Its plug-in hybrid drive with two electric motors and a system output of 300kW ensures that it can deliver in performance terms while also potentially returning in excess of 1.9 litres/100km.

Audi's technical development board member Ulrich Hackenberg said: “The Audi TT offroad concept provides a glimpse of how we might imagine a new model in the future TT family. It combines the sporty genes of the TT with the strengths of a compact SUV.

"Its plug-in hybrid drive with the option of inductive charging is a major step toward the mobility of the future.”

PLUG-IN HYBRID DRIVE

The plug-in hybrid drive in the Audi TT offroad concept delivers 300kW/650Nm, accelerates to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds with an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h. Its 1.9 litre/100km combined fuel consumption equates to a CO2 output of 45g/km. It can travel for over 50km on electric power and has a total range of up to 878km.

The combustion engine is a two litre TFSI producing 215kW/380Nm. The four-cylinder unit with its large turbocharger is packed with Audi's proven efficiency technology. A separating clutch links the power unit to an electric motor producing 40kW/220Nm. The slim, disc-shaped electric motor is integrated into the six-speed e-S tronic transmission and sends the torque to the front wheels. Audi says a second electric motor is mounted on the rear axle making 85kW/270Nm.

In front of the rear axle is a liquid-cooled, lithium-ion battery comprising eight modules. It contributes to the balanced 54:46 weight distribution between the front and rear axles and to the low centre of gravity.

The battery stores up to 12kWh of energy, enough for an electric range of 50km while an Audi wall box is used for stationary charging.

CONTACTLESS CHARGING

The show car is also designed for use with Audi Wireless Charging technology for contactless inductive charging. The infrastructure side – a plate with a coil and an inverter – is placed on the parking spot of the car and connected to the power grid.

Audi says the concept shows its strong character on any road surface and in any terrain. On tarmac the car is dynamic and composed, and it can easily handle more rugged terrain thanks to its high ground clearance, short overhangs and e-tron quattro all-wheel drive. 255/40-series tyres are mounted on 21” wheels, dark trim provides contrast.

The body is based on the Audi Space Frame principle and features a hybrid concept with both steel and aluminium components.

Its dimensions resemble those of the Audi Q3; its 4.39m long, 1.85m wide and has a wheelbase of 2.63m. It’s 1.53m tall, but 8cm lower than the Q3.

Horizontal lines dominate at the front of the concept, with a broad single-frame grille bearing the four rings embedded in the body. Two subtle indents in the lower region make the grille appear lighter. Narrow louvres in the grille insert form a structure typical of the Audi e-tron models.

SPACE FOR FOUR

When viewed from the side, the relationship between the show car and the TT is even more apparent. The overhangs are short and the window design follows the sleek coupe-like line.

Inside there’s space for four people. The top of the instrument panel is designed as a wing,  supported by a visible aluminium structure as a horizontal design element which incorporates the air vents and underscores the width of the interior. The round air vents are reminiscent of jet engines and incorporate the aircon controls.

The centre tunnel console, which extends all the way to the back seat, contains numerous cup holders and storage bins, similar to those in the rest of the Q family.

The show car's ventilation system also includes an ionizer – an updated version of the system used in the A6 and the A8. An LED light in the interior of the air vent lights up when the ionizer is turned on.

Two loudspeakers for the Bang & Olufsen sound system are installed in the head restraints of the individual seats and are also used for voice announcements and telephony.
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