As the fourth model in the sphere concept car series, “Audi activesphere” marks their culmination. Combining opposite elements in a perfect synthesis, the “Audi activesphere” demonstrates itself as a versatile car. Its suspension and drive system are equally suitable for different roads, while the driver can choose between active control of the car or switching to autonomous driving.
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This four-door crossover coupe features a versatile body design where the rear section can be converted into an open cargo area at the touch of a button.
It was in the Audi Design Studio in Malibu that the idea for this concept car was born, where its extraordinary design was also developed. Head of the studio, Gael Buzin, describes the idea of the project: “Activesphere is a unique car. It is a new type of crossover that combines the elegance of the Audi Sportback, the practicality of an SUV and the ability to drive off-road.”
Using electric drive and fast charging technology provided by the Audi PPE platform with a 100 kWh battery, the Audi activesphere joins the sphere concept car family. Without creating local emissions, providing a driving distance of more than 600 km and, thanks to the 800-volt technology, also an extremely short charging time, it combines the sustainability, dynamics and long-distance performance of modern electric cars.
Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Audi Management Board for Technical Development: “Sphere” concept cars demonstrate our vision of future premium class mobility. We are witnessing a unique change that will clearly mark and dictate the fashion of the automotive industry – especially our future Audi models in the cabin. It is the car that will become the place where passengers will be able to feel at home and at the same time be connected to the outside world.”
Body design – robust elegance
The 4.98-meter-long car is more than just a luxury sports car – it has impressive ground clearance and large 22-inch rims that speak of the car’s off-road capabilities. The clearance of the “Audi activesphere” is also variable – for this “quattro” all-wheel drive car, it can be raised by 40 millimeters from the basic height of 208 millimeters or lowered by the same amount.
One of the main features of the “Audi activesphere” concept car is the variable architecture of the rear part. The transparent rear window rails almost blend into the Audi activesphere roof. At the same time, the lower vertical segment of the rear part folds horizontally – this opens a roomy cargo box called “active rear”. It allows you to transport even bulky sports equipment without losing the elegance and sportiness of the “Sportback” silhouette.
Glass surfaces form an essential part of the car’s bodywork – the front part of “activesphere” has a recognizable “face” of the brand – a single grid designed as transparent glazing.
Salon – functional and minimalist
The embodiment of intuitive functionality and order – this is the first impression of the passengers when they enter the wide open doors of the “Audi activesphere” cabin. For the new generation of cars, power and top speed are no longer at the forefront of technical specifications. Instead, the starting point is the cabin, the passenger environment and the experience during the journey.
Interior areas feature horizontal contrast paint, but the leading focal point is the seating surfaces and doors, as well as the front fascia in a warm lava red that contrasts with the dark bodywork, even when viewed through the side windows. The four individual seats are suspended as extensions of the tall, full-length center console.
When the Audi activesphere concept car moves in autonomous mode, its instrument panel, steering wheel and pedals disappear into an invisible position. The instrument panel itself is like an XL-sized soundbar, along with a smart full-width airflow valve in both the on and off positions.
“Audi” dimensions – across the world
Crossing boundaries is the strength of the Audi activesphere concept car – and this also applies to the interaction between the car, the user and the environment. For the first time, the new system combines the physical reality and the digital realm to create a new world – Audi dimensions.
The centerpiece of the new system is the innovative mixed reality glasses available separately for the driver and each passenger. While in the Audi activesphere, users also have access to a comprehensive digital ecosystem. High-tech glasses provide a view of the real environment and the road, while displaying 3D content and interactive elements that are individually configurable for drivers and passengers. The system places control surfaces and displays that are not visible to the naked eye within the driver’s field of vision.
PPE – Adapted Drive Technology
Considering its size and performance level, the “Audi activesphere” concept car uses Audi’s latest electric drive car production platform – “Premium Platform Electric” or PPE for short.
The PPE is the first platform designed to fit a wide range of vehicles, including high-clearance SUVs and CUVs, as well as low-profile cars that are part of Audi’s core product range. Thus, “Audi” can expand the offer of electric cars in its portfolio using the B and C segments of volume cars.
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