Audi unveiled the concept allroad for the Detroit Motor Show to celebrate the Ingolstadt marque’s 25 years of quattro technology, and to set the scene for the launch of the Q7 sports SUV in 2006.
Audi has developed the concept allroad for the Detroit Motor Show to celebrate the Ingolstadt marque’s 25 years of quattro technology, and to set the scene for the launch of the Q7 sports SUV.
The concept has the character of an Avant station wagon linked with the elements of an off-roader. Regular fare includes a powerful engine, permanent quattro all-wheel drive, and advanced suspension. The concept is equipped with a 4,0-litre V8 TDI engine with common rail injection and piezo injectors, and has a maximum power output of 210 kW and delivers a peak torque of 650 N.m.
Mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, the concept is claimed to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in 6,4 seconds, and reach a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The quattro system comprises a Torsen centre differential for optimized traction and stability. The all-wheel drive layout has gained popularity since its introduction 25 years ago, with about 1,8 million quattro-equipped vehicles rolling off the production line in that period.
Equipped with air suspension, the allroad quattro concept has variable ground clearance ranging from 160 to 210 mm.
State of the art technology, such as Road Vision, Lane Assist and Side Assist are fitted to the car.
With Road Vision, optical sensors recognize varying road and surface conditions. The system not only informs the driver of tricky conditions, but also provides data to the ESP and (optional) adaptive cruise control.
Lane Assist causes the steering wheel to vibrate as soon as the car leaves the lane, thus informing the driver. Side Assist incorporates radar sensors to monitor the area behind, and next to, the car. When the system detects vehicles approaching, or driving in, the car’s blind spot, a light is activated on the corresponding exterior mirror informing the driver.
Sources say that although its styling cues suggest otherwise, the alroad concept is not a precursor to a quattro version of the new A6 range (which was recently launched in South Africa).
At last year’s Paris Motor Show, Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the Audi AG board of management, said the company’s next SUV, the Q7, would be launched early in 2006. The five-door, seven-seater model will share its platform with the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne SUVs, and will be fitted with Audi’s 4,2-litre V8 powerplant. The production version will be modelled on the Pikes Peak quattro concept unveiled by Audi at the 2003 Detroit Show.
“The letter Q denotes a new family type within our company, alongside A, S and RS,” said Winterkorn, adding that the 7 indicated its position between the A6 and A8.
