Audi has unveiled its Metroproject quattro Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. This Mini-fighting forms the basis of the A1, Audi’s design study for entry into the sub-compact segment.
Under the Metroproject Concept’s bonnet is a 1,4-litre TFSI engine that develops 110 kW, sending drive to the front wheels via an S-tronic Direct Shift Gearbox. At the rear axle lies a 30 kW electric motor that delivers an extra 200 N.m torque under hard acceleration. When the TFSI and hybrid engine operate at the same time, the Metroproject Concept moves from being a front-wheel-drive vehicle to a proper quattro.
The hybrid powerplant is capable of solely powering the vehicle for 100 km thanks to lithium-ion batteries, which can be re-charged from any power socket. A claimed 15 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions is achieved when the hybrid engine is utilised. Automatic start/ stop technology, brake energy regeneration and phases of electrical operation contribute to the economical nature of the car.
Audi claims that the Metroproject Concept is able to go from standstill to 100 km/h in 7,8 seconds, and on to reach a top speed of 201 km/h. Very respectable performance for a car that consumes just 4,9-litres of fuel per 100 km and has a carbon dioxide footprint of only 112 g/km.
The Audi Metroproject quattro is equipped with the drive select system that features in the Audi A4. This system allows the driver to pre-select one of two configurations for the drivetrain, shift characteristics and magnetic ride shock absorbers. To further augment the handling, Audi has equipped this vehicle with electromechanical steering with speed-sensitive power assistance and 312 mm brake discs.
Definitely more muscular-looking than a Mini Cooper, the A1 features a two-door body shell with solid aluminium arches running along the top of the windows. These arches trace the coupe-like roofline and, with the chrome accented gaping Audi grille, give this vehicle a powerful and aggressive look. The Metroproject concept also features a rear window-integrated spoiler. Other exterior features include LED headlights and daytime running lights, as well as 18-inch lightweight ten spoke alloy wheels. Overall dimensions for this vehicle stand at a length of 3 910 mm and a width of 1 750 mm, with a wheelbase of 2 460 mm.
The Metroproject Concept’s two-tone interior features four individual sports seats, a dashboard that Audi claims “centres around the driver,” and softly finished surfaces. The aluminium centre console features the Audi mobile device, the engine start/ stop button behind the gear lever, and, at the rear, a thermos flask that boasts a cooling and heating system. According to Audi, “the materials used for both the seat upholstery and the interior trim adds to the overall “high-class looks and feel,” and in an attempt to give the vehicle a sportier persona, Audi has fitted the interior with dark panels and red stitching. The battery pack is even visible in the boot, lit by blue lights with a charge indicator on the side.
The Audi mobile device is an innovative feature that allows the driver to operate certain functions even when the device is not in the car. It functions as an access authorisation system for the vehicle, a cell phone, a navigation unit and an audio and video player. It has the exact same navigation menu as that of the MMI system in the vehicle. The mobile device can act as an MP3 player, address database and input tool for the navigation system – all while far away from the vehicle. It also provides access and start functions for the Metroproject Concept – eliminating the reqirement of a key. In terms of safety, the mobile device can receive pictures from a camera inside the car. This means that when the alarm is triggered, the driver will be informed about what’s going on by checking the pictures on the mobile device. If stolen, the vehicle’s location will be available on the mobile device.
Should the essential underpinnings of this concept find their way across to the production version, there is definitely potential for a microcosm of the RS4 vs M3 battle when it finally goes head-to-head with the Mini.
Click here to view Mike Fourie’s video of the Audi Metroproject quattro Concept.
To download a wallpaper of the Audi Metroproject quattro Concept, click here.
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