Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution

Mitsubishi released details for the i-MiEV Evolution, ahead of its racing debut at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

First, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution utilizes the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the production i. Moreover, it was developed in order to showcase Mitsubishi’s advanced EV control and EV component technologies.

The i-MiEV Evolution is a purpose-built closed-cockpit all-wheel-drive single-seater built on a tube-frame chassis with a carbon-fiber cowl. Mitsubishi said the prototype racer will use many of the same EV drive components as the production i-MiEV, which is sold in the U.S. as the Mitsubishi i.

The i-MiEV evolution uses three electric motors: one for the front two wheels, and two for each rear wheel. Pair this all-wheel drive with the car’s light-weight aerodynamic body and you can see how serious Mitsubishi is taking this event.

The three motors produce 240 kW (322 horsepower) directly to the 245/40R18 tires. The standard i-MiEV rides on super skinny 145/65R15 tires up front and 175/60R15 out back and only produces 49 kW (66 hp).



Press Release


MITSUBISHI MOTORS' 2012 PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB TEAM & ALL-NEW ALL-ELECTRIC RACECAR ANNOUNCE i-MiEV EVOLUTION TO TACKLE PIKE SPEAK


Tokyo, May 18, 2012 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will enter two all-electric vehicles (EVs) in the Electric Class of the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb1. MMC will be aiming for victory in the Electric Class with the i-MiEV Evolution, a specially-prepared competition version based on the i all-electric vehicle2. MMC is also entering a regular production i in the event.


Enter the i-MiEV Evolution The i-MiEV Evolution uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the production i and has been developed in cooperation with several partner companies including Meidensha Corporation and GS Yuasa Corporation. The i-MiEV Evolution has been developed to showcase MMC's advanced EV control and EV component technologies. MMC will use the technical knowhow garnered through the i-MiEVEvolution's development and usage for the development of future EV models with superior durability and reliability.


All-pro Team Driving the i-MiEV Evolution in the Pikes Peak event and also serving as team manager will be Mr. Hiroshi Masuoka - the first Japanese driver to post consecutive overall victories in the Dakar Rally. The Mitsubishi i will be piloted by Ms. Beccy Gordon, a winner in the Score International Off-Road Racing Series.


1. Mitsubishi Motors 2012 Pikes Peak Challenge Team


Team Manager Hiroshi Masuoka Drivers Hiroshi Masuoka Beccy Gordon Competition Cars i-MiEV Evolution Mitsubishi i (i-MiEV in other countries) Racing class Electric Class


2. Outline Description of Cars Entered for Pikes Peak


(1) i-MiEV Evolution Developed for the Pikes Peak event, the i-MiEV Evolution basically uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the production i-MiEV fitted to a specially-designed racing-specific body which uses a tube-frame chassis and a carbon fibre cowl among other features designed to reduce weight and improve aerodynamic performance. Comprising a single motor driving the front and two motors driving the rear wheels, the car's four-wheel-drive system provides superior motive performance and handling.


L x W x H (mm) 4341 x 1900 x 1339 Occupants 1 Drivetrain 4-wheel drive Motors Number 3 (1 front, 2 rear) Max. output (kW) 240 (80 kW x 3) Drive battery Rated capacity (kWh) 35 Chassis Specially-designed tube frame Cowl Carbon fibre Tyres 245/40R18 (2) Mitsubishi i


For the Pikes Peak event the production Mitsubishi i has been modified using a more aerodynamic front bumper and fitted with roll bars and other safety equipment.


The Mitsubishi i went on sale on the west coast of the United States (in the states of California, Washington and Oregon) and in Hawaii in November 2011 with plans to expand sales to the whole of the country by June 2012. The i also went on sale in Canada as the i-MiEV in December 2011, marking its full-scale launch targeting corporate and individual customers in the North American market.


L x W x H (mm) 3675 (+280) x 1585 (+110) x 1615 (+5) Occupants 4 Drivetrain Rear wheel drive Motors Number 1 Max. output (kW/rpm) 49 (+2) / 3,000 - 6,000 Drive battery Rated capacity (kWh) 16 Tyres F: 145/65/R15 R: 175/60 (+5)/R15 3. Driver Profiles


(1) Hiroshi Masuoka (Product Strategy Office, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation)


Hiroshi Masuoka began his Dakar Rally campaign in 1987 and became the first Japanese driver to post consecutive overall victories in the event when he won in 2002 and 2003. Currently Masuoka works at Mitsubishi Motors where his many duties include vehicle development, the training of company test drivers and the running of test drive sessions and other events both in Japan and overseas. Masuoka had the following to say before the event: "Given the tough driving conditions that Pikes Peak is known for, I'm really keen to show people the world over those electric vehicles are capable of gutsy motive performance and excellent handling in addition to their superior environmental performance."


(2) Beccy Gordon


Beccy Gordon is an American off-road racer. She grew up in a family in which her father, brother and sister have all been successful racing drivers, as is her husband today. Gordon herself is an experienced driver having raced in a wide spectrum of motor sports and she is also a motorsport spokesperson. Gordon commented before the event: "I'm really happy to be able to drive the Mitsubishi i in the Pikes Peak race and am looking forward to giving it my best in an electric car, the type of vehicle that is set to become a major player in motor sports in future."


4. Partner Companies (20 in all, listed in alphabetical order)


Advics Co., Ltd. Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd. Dunlop Goodyear Tires Ltd. Endless Advance Co., Ltd. Enkei Corporation GKN Driveline Japan Ltd. GS Yuasa Corporation Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. HKS Co., Ltd. Meidensha Corporation Mikuni Corp. Mitsubishi Corporation Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Mitsubishi Motor Dealers Association NHK Spring Co., Ltd. NipponYusen Kabushiki Kaisha NTN Corporation Showa Corporation Toray Industries, Inc. Tsuchiya Co., Ltd.

Detroit Auto Show: Nissan Pathfinder concept

Nissan will unveil two concept vehicles, including the next-generation Pathfinder SUV and an electric powered commercial van at the Detroit auto show next month.

The Nissan Pathfinder was launched in 1986, and was last granted a redesign for the 2005 model year. The next-generation Pathfinder goes on sale in fall 2012.

Nissan will also highlight the versatility of the NV200 van by demonstrating one configured as a food truck with a “local Detroit flair.” The van will be used for media hospitality during the show’s two press days.




Press Release

NISSAN ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR 2012 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

The worldwide debut of two concept vehicles will highlight Nissan's presence at the upcoming 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. An all electric van concept, which underscores Nissan's leadership in zero emissions vehicles and the Nissan Pathfinder preview concept, which provides a sneak peek at the next generation of Nissan's longest running nameplate in the U.S., will be unveiled during the NAIAS press preview days, beginning Monday, January 9.

In addition to full access to Nissan's global concepts during both days of the show, media interviews will be available with Nissan team members. Nissan Chief Executive Officer, Carlos Ghosn will also be the opening keynote speaker at the Automotive News World Congress on Tuesday, Jan. 10 in Detroit.

Nissan NAIAS Highlights:

• The Pathfinder Concept, which previews the all-new look, style and attitude that Nissan will bring to the SUV segment when the next-generation Pathfinder goes on sale in fall 2012 at Nissan dealers nationwide.
• Nissan's innovative electric van concept. This concept previews a future production version of a full electric vehicle designed to provide businesses or families with flexible, roomy cargo space, while offering a dramatic CO2 footprint reduction.
• A Nissan NV outfitted as a "Food Truck" with a local Detroit flair showcases the vehicle's flexibility and user-friendly features, but acts as a culinary cornerstone for media hospitality throughout both press days.
• Monday evening - Nissan media reception at Cheli's Chili Bar in Downtown Detroit from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. with a special guest and special announcement - Media credentials required for admission.

Volkswagen eT! Concept

The Volkswagen eT! Concept is making its debut at the Design Centre of Potsdam was specially designed for delivery of mail shipments of all types.

The eT! is an all-electric van, which means it is quiet and doesn’t produce any emissions while driving through dense urban environments. The cabin has a tablet computer mounted to the dashboard, presumably allowing the driver to monitor deliveries while on the road.

As an alternative, the driver can direct the car’s movements via a ‘drive stick’ from the passenger’s side that also offers a standing seat and quick access to the vehicle.

The eT! uses electric hub motors to maximize important interior volume both under the hood and in the load bay.




Press Release


World premiere in Potsdam: Volkswagen eT! - the reinvention of the delivery vehicle
eT! is electrically powered and drives semi-automatically on command

Driver can steer the eT! by ‘drive stick' from passenger's side as alternative

Wolfsburg / Potsdam, 18 November 2011 - For over 60 years now, commercial vehicles from Volkswagen have maintained a visual presence on the world's streets. They are helpers in everyday life, which bring us people goods, services, postal deliveries and occasionally emergency assistance as well. Volkswagen Group Research, which is responsible for the world of tomorrow, together with the German Post Office (‘Deutsche Post AG'), which is one of the largest customers of lightweight commercial vehicles - as well as the University of Art at Braunschweig - formed a think tank on future transport and mobility issues. Finally, these research activities led to a completely new vehicle concept for the delivery and logistics field: eT!

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold, Director of Volkswagen Group Research: "We analyzed process flows and customer needs in detail, and from these analyses we derived ideas on how the segment of delivery and courier vehicles could be further developed over the long term. In this context, we focused on zero-emissions driving and available space in urban areas, semi-automatic driving functions that offer relevant support and simplify work processes and the integration of new communication technologies. On top of that, we also set out to design a very emotionally appealing commercial vehicle. To attain these goals, our teams not only looked towards the future from the past, but also worked from a future perspective to implement an advanced development concept based on technologies available today."

The eT! research vehicle could someday actually revolutionise the world of lightweight commercial vehicles. Completely reconceptualised, driven with zero emissions, thought through to the last detail and driving semi-automatically if necessary! Just how wide-ranging the significance of this research project could be for sustainability in the transportation field is underscored by the support for the eT! project by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. "The eT! research vehicle," explains Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, spokesperson for the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, "unifies a whole gamut of innovative functions, which will gain in future importance, specifically for logistics businesses. In particular, the possibility of driving the car semi-automatically - and electrically - in downtown areas unifies economical and environmental aspects more systematically than ever. As a vision of the future, the eT! is showcasing what is the maximum feasible technology for electric vehicles in the commercial market today with a special design that systematically addresses future customer needs."

"eT! is a pure electrically powered transporter that systematically transfers E-mobility to the area of commercial use," says Dr. Rudolf Krebs, Group Manager for Electric Traction at Volkswagen AG. And continues: "As a transport specialist, the eT! is advancing to become the automotive building block for an innovative, future-oriented logistics concept, which not only drives with zero emissions in urban areas - thanks to its electric wheel hub motors - but also offers maximum freedom in manoeuvering and turning as well as optimal utilisation of the vehicle's interior space. If ‘refuelled' with electricity generated from renewable energy sources, the eT! can indeed be operated with zero emissions. Naturally, the eT! is not a vehicle which - unlike the Golf or up! with an electric motor - could become available very soon. But we must make plans today for what the world of lightweight commercial vehicles might look like starting in the second half of this decade, including with regard to electrical drives."

To make the working world of mail delivery personnel and courier drivers simpler and safer, to optimise the logistics of delivery and to shorten delivery times, eT! can be operated semi-automatically in certain situations. The car can follow the delivery person from house to house ("Follow me"), or the car can return to the delivery person on command ("Come to me") - driverless! As an alternative, the driver can direct the car's movements via a ‘drive stick' from the passenger's side that also offers a standing seat and quick access to the vehicle. On the passenger's side - the side that faces the sidewalk and therefore the working area of the delivery person - there is therefore an electrically opening sliding door that opens to 2 different stages; this enables extremely quick entry into the vehicle as well as quick access to the mail parcels. This makes unnecessary walking movements around the vehicle a thing of the past.

Variants of this lightweight transport vehicle could be implemented for all conceivable business uses. And these derived concepts are also the focus of research activities. Meanwhile, the eT! concept shown in a world premiere at the Design Centre of Potsdam was specially designed for delivery of mail shipments of all types. The research vehicle will now be integrated in a driving test study and further analysed.

Nissan PIVO 3 concept【Video】

Nissan has releases the Pivo 3 concept, which will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in next month.

The exterior design proposes a new direction, leaving the round surface language for a more “serious” and aggressive treatment made of sharp edges and angled surfaces, which is more in line with the current trends.

A good size for tight cities, the Pivo 3 is just three metres long and has a wide-enough steering angle to allow you to make a U-turn on a road that's just four metres wide. It has a zero turn gap, so if the front wheels can make the turn, the rear wheels will follow without scraping the body side.

Inside, the cabin is elegantly equipped with premium leather, metallic trim and a digital instrument cluster. There's also a McLaren F1-style seating arrangement which doesn't look very comfortable.

The driver-focused interior incorporates side-view monitors (which take the place of mirrors), Nissan’s Around View Monitor system that minimises blind spots, and an ultra-wide display for GPS and other information.



Press Release

Highlights of the Nissan Exhibit at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN (November 8, 2011) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., will present a selection of new production vehicles, prototypes and three concept cars at the upcoming 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

Highlights of the show include:

• Three concept EVs: PIVO 3, a smart urban EV of the near future; ESFLOW, a pure EV sports car; and TOWNPOD, a cross-genre EV for business or leisure
• Smart House of the Future: Enables electricity supply from Nissan LEAF, solar panels and fuel cells
• Next-generation light commercial van prototype: All-new NV350, delivering improved convenience and styling
• Special advanced technology exhibit displaying Nissan's latest innovations in zero emission mobility and safety.

An overview of the concept cars and technologies to be exhibited are as follows:

PIVO 3 - The smart urban commuter EV of the near future

• Automated Valet Parking (AVP) enables PIVO 3 to automatically drive, locate a parking space and park without driver assistance in the infrastructure equipped parking lots envisioned for the future. It can also charge itself and return to its driver at the AVP exit when called by smartphone.
• Compact 3-seater body under 3-meter long, narrow-tread rear tires and IWM (in-wheel motors) with wide steering angle allows PIVO 3 to make a U-turn on a road only four meters wide. The highly maneuverable PIVO 3 has zero turn gap, so if the front wheels can make the turn, the rear wheels will follow without scraping the body side.
• Refined exterior styling with bold surfaces and a new stance.
• Controls integrate seamlessly with high-grade interior.
• Central driving position provides a totally new driving experience.
• Realization of near future mobility that not only links car and driver but also connects the car to the community with sustainable energy.

ESFLOW - Dynamic driving in a zero emission future

• World debut made at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011.
• Pure EV sports car concept offers an exciting new dimension in sports car handling and performance, using technology pioneered in Nissan LEAF.
• Rear-wheel drive two-seater configuration.
• Two independently controlled midship-mounted electric motors, each driving a rear wheel, with active optimization of vehicle dynamics and driving feel suits individual preferences and road characteristics.
• Laminated lithium-ion batteries mounting position engineered for ideal front-to-rear balance.
• Dramatic styling with wrap-around windscreen for enhanced visibility over low hood made possible by EV package.
• 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) in under five seconds.
• Over 240 kilometer (150 mile) cruising range on one charge (US LA4 mode).

TOWNPOD - Cross-genre EV for the free-thinking enterpreneur

• Unveiled at the Paris Auto Show in September 2010.
• Fashionable and functional vehicle flexibly adapts to user needs.
• Exterior melds stylish coupe and roomy van design elements.
• Engaging front seat styling. Rear cargo space is functionally designed for professional utility, including rear seat storage area in back of front seats.
• Three split doors and a split open sunroof ease access in tight spots while greatly improving loading/unloading convenience and ability to carry taller objects.
• Touch-screen display links to driver's smartphone to provide convenient support for busy professionals.
• Zero emission mobility offers guilt-free driving enjoyment for the environmentally conscious user.

NV350 - Next-generation light commercial van delivers capacity, convenience and style

• Improved fuel economy.
• Contemporary exterior styling expresses solid presence.
• Functional interior styled to emphasize spacious feel.
• Keyless pushbutton ignition, a world's first in a commercial vehicle. Nissan Intelligent Key^TM, dash-mounted shift lever and foot-operated parking brake also exceed expectations in the LCV category.
• Cargo area up to 3 meters in length, 50:50 split fold-forward rear seats, and embedded mounting nuts in interior side panels provide flexible cargo handling and adaptability to user needs.
• Japanese market launch scheduled for summer of 2012.
• ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY - Toward Zero Emission Mobility
• Nissan's EV technology offers exciting new benefits exemplified by the Smart House of the Future and EV-based Smart Community, which will be introduced using motion displays.

NSH-2012 Smart House of the Future
Nissan will display its Smart House "NSH-2012", an implementation of the "LEAF to Home" (V2H*) electric supply system, which uses power stored in Nissan LEAF's batteries. The Smart House combines solar panels, fuel cells and Nissan LEAF's batteries to maintain a steady power supply to the home, independent of weather conditions. Even during a power outage in a disaster, solar power and Nissan LEAF batteries can continue to supply the home with electricity.
* V2H stands for "vehicle to home", that is, supplying electricity to the home from power stored in an electric vehicle's batteries.

EV-based Smart Community
A broader application of the "LEAF to Home" electric supply system, Smart Communities integrate renewable energy and a bi-directional electric grid to enable new lifestyles. Motion displays show how EVs make this possible in three contexts: homes, buildings and communities.
Next-generation mobility with PIVO 3
A multi-media presentation of PIVO 3 functions, such as Automated Valet Parking, which link to the "smart city" infrastructure of the future and use cloud computing to enable intelligent and convenient next-generation mobility.

PURE DRIVE^TM - Boosting fuel efficiency with a suite of technologies
PURE DRIVE^TM is Nissan's initiative to boost environmental performance in conventional-fuel powertrains. Cutaway models and videos will introduce PURE DRIVE^TM technologies including clean diesel, hybrid, stop/start system and XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Nissan Safety Shield - Towards zero fatalities
Nissan has set an ultimate goal of reducing the number of automobile accident fatalities or serious injuries involving its vehicles to substantially zero. Nissan's Safety Shield concept defines pre- and post-crash conditions to guide the active development of technologies to address safety all around the vehicle. Nissan will introduce nine technologies by the end of 2011 to create a virtual "Safety Shield" for our customers. Video presentations and interactive displays will illustrate these innovations.

Frankfurt debuts: Rimac Concept_One【Video】

Rimac Automobili has officially unveiled the Concept_One, which will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

This electric supercar weighs in at 3,637 lbs and produces 1,088-hp. That allows the Rimac Concept_One to go from 0 to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph. On a full charge, the Concept_One is capable of driving up to 373 mph.

Each wheel can accelerate or decelerate independently hundreds of times per second. Sophisticated ECUs control each of the power system, using the input of precise sensors placed all over the car.

To create a luxurious interior, Rimac enlisted Vilner and a group of former Pininfarina employees. The end result is pretty impressive as the cabin is elegantly appointed with premium leather, carbon fiber trim, a digital instrument cluster and an advanced infotainment system.





Press Release

The Concept_One world debut at Frankfurt Motor Show

FRANKFURT, September 13th, 2011. - Rimac Automobili is unveiling the world's first electric supercar - the Concept_One.

The Concept_One is an exceptional supercar with a new propulsion concept. With a curb weight of 1650 kg, and 1088 HP, the Concept_One can reach 100 km/h from a standstill in 2.8 seconds and continue to accelerate to the limit of 305 km/h. 92kWh of energy in the Battery Modules delivers enough juice"for up to 600 km of range.

Rimac Automobili developed a unique powertrain which is divided into four sub-systems, each consisting of one motor, inverter and reduction gearbox. Each of those systems drives one wheel, working completely independent one from the other. It's called All Wheel Torque Vectoring and it allows a new approach to vehicle dynamics. Mate Rimac, the CEO of Rimac Automobili says: "I believe that the electric motor is a much better machine compared to the ICE, in almost all aspects, especially for a sports car."
The carbon-fibre body is designed by Adriano Mudri: „Exploring the labyrinth of creativity, it was obvious at an early stage that the design had to be simple and clear with a lot of sporty elegance to easily catch up with its competitors in this power & exclusivity class."

The interior is designed by a team of former Pininfarina employees, led by Mr. Goran Popovi?. After the Rimac Automobili engineering team finished the development and prototyping of the interior parts, the leather-specialist Vilner stepped-in. The result is a high-tech-supercar interior which can be both appealing and pleasant to interact with, at the same time. Special attention has been paid to the infotainment system and gadgets like head-up-displays and soft-close doors which had to match the propulsion technology in its advancement.

Rimac Automobili is a young company which develops and produces high performance electric vehicles, drive trains and battery system. This all began when the founder of Rimac Automobili, Mate Rimac, converted his old BMW to a race EV. He explored the technology by improving every part and began to team-up with experts from different fields in order to develop the next generation supercar. The old BMW is now officially homologated as a "Rimac Automobili e-M3"and is used as a test mule for battery technologies, battery management, propulsion systems and latest in-house developments. Describing their beginnings Mate Rimac points out: "Our first car evolved in a short period of time into a project that didn't give a final result - instead it was a start, the start of the world's first electric hyper car - the Concept _One". A group of 20 multi-talented engineers and designers settled in Croatia near Zagreb and are making something new and revolutionary. The production of the first model, the Concept_One, is limited to 88 units, starting with deliveries in 2013.

2011 Frankfurt: Audi Urban Concept【Video】

Audi has officially unveiled the Urban concept. This car is intended to show what the future of small and very fuel-efficient cars for city dwellers might look like.

The lithium-ion battery – weighing in at 90kg and counting for almost 20 per cent of the Urban Concept’s total weight – lives behind the seats and takes about an hour to charge for a range of 45 miles. It takes 16.9 seconds to get to 62mph.

The Audi Urban Concepts weight 480 kilograms (1,058.22 lb) thanks to the lightweight chassis design and the numerous CFRP components, and measure 3,219 millimeters (126.73 in) in length, 1,678 millimeters (66.06 in) width, and just 1,189 millimeters (46.81 in) height.

The 21-inch wheels are free-standing, their surrounding protective arches feature blinking strips of LED lights.

The aircraft-inspired cabin is minimalistic, but features a floating dashboard, aluminum pedals and a hexagonal steering wheel. Occupants sit side by side, but the passenger seat is moved back 30cm (11.81 in) to "provide sufficient shoulder and elbow room."







Press Release

The Audi urban concept

Audi is breaking new ground: The Audi urban concept technology study is a 1+1 vehicle for urban and metropolitan areas. The electric powered show car has four wheels, but does not fit into any current automobile category. Weighing just 480 kilograms (1,058.22 lb), the Audi urban concept combines elements of a racecar, a roadster, a fun car and a city car into a radical new concept. It has the potential to become the trendsetter for a new form of mobility.

Concept
"How much car is necessary to deliver driving pleasure and urban mobility in an entirely new way?" This question was the starting point for the Audi urban concept. A model of a sailplane was in the studio during the development process as an example of lightweight construction, efficiency and reduction - of the principle of "less is more."

The result is a vehicle that cannot be pigeonholed, a vehicle that redefines the term "driving pleasure" and is completely unencumbered by the baggage of conventional concepts. The Audi urban concept concentrates on the pure essence of driving and conveys freedom at the premium level. At the same time, it offers the comfort and safety of a closed automobile, making it far superior to any motor scooter. With its sleek body and free-standing wheels, the technology study is progressive and highly dramatic while at the same time extremely sporty, yet surprisingly comfortable.

The cabin of the Audi urban concept offers slightly offset seating for two. The roof slides back for entry. This innovative solution makes the Audi urban concept even more fun to drive because the canopy can remain open in good weather. It also allows the cabin to be aired out very quickly. The fit and finish of the show car is characterized by the obligatory Audi perfection. The car's technology is reflective of the brand's wide-ranging competence, particularly in ultra-lightweight construction.

The brand with the four rings has created an entirely new class of vehicle with the Audi urban concept, and that on the premium level. It also marks the new entry point to Audi's future range of electric vehicles, which is crowned by the R8 e-tron high-performance sports car. The Audi urban concept quite literally makes it easy to get into electric mobility.

The technology study is targeted toward people who are interested in technology and are enthusiastic about new approaches to mobility, independent of their age and status. In particular, it addresses an urban public whose lifestyle both reflects the car's modern concept and the driving pleasure associated with it and is a good fit for a possible innovative leasing system.

Exterior design
The Audi urban concept features an all-new design that still has certain historical roots in the Auto Union racecars of the 1930s. They were well ahead of their time conceptually: they were extremely lightweight and their engines were mounted in the rear. Their large, open wheels also stood out from the chassis - another parallel with the modern show car.

Painted in Electric White, pearl effect, today's technology study - 3,219 millimeters (126.73 in) long, 1,678 millimeters (66.06 in) wide, but just 1,189 millimeters (46.81 in) high - has a body on which all the lines are surging forward. The greenhouse is extremely flat. The roofline drops down like a wedge while the side window rises upward. The typical Audi tornado line gives the urban concept a strong shoulder.

An upright, forward-leaning blade in front of the rear wheel accentuates the side view. The Speed Red contour gives the appearance of a roll bar and evokes the Audi R8 high-performance sports car. The flanks of the body flare outward toward the bottom to enlarge the floor. This serves two purposes: It generates downforce at higher speeds and it can be used to charge the battery via induction - a particularly convenient method.

The characteristic Audi single-frame grill, which sports the four rings, appears as a closed surface on the Audi urban concept. It tilts forward to provide access to the charging socket. The narrow LED headlights project three-dimensionally from the body.

The turn signals are LED strips running along the fenders. These closely encircle the free-standing wheels, and the front fenders turn with the wheels when steering. The three-dimensional rear lights with the tail light and brake light are integrated into the vehicle body and wrap around the top of the rear window. At the back of the car is a small luggage compartment that pulls out like a drawer.

The front segment of the greenhouse is movable - another innovative idea that is unique to the Audi urban concept. Mounted on rails, it can be slid back by hand over the fixed rear segment.

It is up to the driver to decide whether to close the canopy or leave it open. The technology study is a roadster-on-demand that has neither roll-down windows nor a heavy air conditioner. When closed, the canopy provides protection against rain and cool air. Audi has also developed a second body variant as an alternative to the urban concept: a Spyder with a flat window strip wrapping around the cockpit and doors that open upward at an angle.

Interior
Entry to the Audi urban concept is via the slide-back canopy. The driver and passenger step over the edge of the vehicle as if they were stepping into the bathtub - there are no doors. This does not require any great flexibility; a handle on the windshield frame and special cutouts on the seating surfaces facilitate entry.

The show car offers room for two. The driver and passenger sit next to one another, with the right seat offset by 30 centimeters (11.81 in) to the rear to provide sufficient shoulder and elbow room. The seats are fixed, integral components of the monocoque, which provides for significant weight savings. They are covered with foam seating surfaces custom-fabricated to the measurements of the customer, just like in a racecar. The seat belts run through cutouts in the seat backs.

Sitting in the Audi urban concept is somewhat like sitting in an airplane cockpit. The seating position is very sporty. The driver can precisely adjust the positions of the aluminum pedals and the steering column. Both components are telescoping. The pedals can be moved a total of 22 centimeters (8.66 in), while the steering column can be moved 14 centimeters (5.51 in) for easier entry and additional 6 centimeters (2.36 in) for a custom driving position.

The steering column is exposed - a thick, elegantly designed section, open in the center and mounted virtually horizontally. At the far end of the steering column is a display for the most important information. The small, hexagonal steering wheel includes buttons and roller switches for controlling various systems, including selecting the Audi drive select modes for the electric drive system.

The entire interior of the technology study is subjugated to the strict dictates of ultra-lightweight construction. Running below the windshield across the entire cabin is a wing-shaped section that is also open in the middle. This new style of dashboard includes satellite controls for the heater and two large air vents.

Rather than carpeting, an innovative mat covers parts of the floor. This is made from a technical textile originally developed for athletic shoes that is water repellant and very durable. The seats are covered with cloth, with the edges of the foam pads framed in kangaroo leather. Aluminum applications accentuate the dashboard.

Technology
The Audi urban concept is also without peer with respect to the technical concept. The outer skin of the show car is made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP); the occupant cell is a mix of CFRP monocoque and an aluminum structure. This ultra-lightweight construction is the foundation for the technology study's extremely low curb weight of just 480 kilograms (1,058.22 lb).

The sophisticated chassis underscores the distinctively sporty personality of the Audi urban concept. Wishbones made from a combination of aluminum and CFRP locate the free-standing, 21-inch wheels.

Manufactured using cladding technology, the wheels are very light and feature a variant of the blade design from the Audi e-tron models. The tire sizes are as unusual as the car as a whole - 125/60 up front and 145/50 in the rear.

The Audi urban concept uses pushrod technology borrowed from motorsports. As in a racecar, the struts mounted in the interior of the monocoque are nearly horizontal. Four disc brakes provide the stopping power. The turning circle measures less than nine meters (29.53 ft) - ideal for a city car. Thanks to the vehicle's low weight, the rack-and-pinion steering does not require any power assistance. Crumple zones in the front and rear plus two airbags provide for a high degree of passive safety. An innovative assistance system helps the driver to avoid collisions with pedestrians.

The battery is mounted transversely behind the seats. The lithium-ion battery, which weighs around 90 kilograms (198.42 lb), stores 7.1 kWh of usable energy. The study's two electric motors together produce 15 kW (20 hp) of continuous power and 47 Nm (34.67 lb-ft) of torque. The motors are mounted between the rear wheels, which they drive via a single-speed transmission.

The Audi urban concept accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 16.9 seconds. It reaches 60 km/h (37.28 mph) in around six seconds. The show car steps off from traffic lights smartly thanks to the torque of the electric motors, which is fully available from standstill. Top speed is governed at 100 km/h (62.14 mph).

The action radius in the European driving cycle is 73 km (45.36 miles). 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 Wireless Charging
Audi is hard at work on the future of charging technology as an alternative to the charging at a power outlet. Audi Wireless Charging (AWC) refers to contactless induction charging. The infrastructure side, comprising a coil and an inverter (AC/AC converter), is placed on the normal parking spot of the Audi urban concept and connected to the power grid. The 3.6 kW primary coil set into the plate generates a high-frequency alternating field.

The charging process begins automatically when the urban concept drives onto the plate. The alternating magnetic field of the infrastructure side induces an alternating current across the air gap in the secondary coil, which is integrated into the vehicle. This current is rectified and fed into the vehicle's electrical system, where it charges the battery or powers consumers such as the heater. The alternating field is only generated if the vehicle is standing over the plate and thus poses no danger to people or animals.

Charging stops automatically when the battery is fully charged. The driver can interrupt charging at any time. The efficiency of AWC is comparable to that of other charging technologies. It is not affected by rain, snow or ice. The new technology makes charging electric vehicles easy and extremely convenient. A later version of the technology will be able to be integrated into the transportation infrastructure as a retrofit for parking garages or residential streets, for example.