Audi A2 Concept
The Audi A2 concept will be on show at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, showcasing its weight conscious and space efficient design, achieved through the use of state of the art multi material hybrid construction.
Specification includes contact-free battery charging, by-wire steering and braking, LED matrix lighting and a semi-autonomous running mode.
Limiting the weight of the Audi A2 concept are ultra-lightweight construction techniques, allowing the concept to weigh in at 1,150kg. Both hybrid multi material construction and the Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction principle are utilised by the A2 concept. Largely constructed of aluminium, the superstructure is complemented by add on parts constructed in Carbon Inbreeding Polymer. Cladding technology is used to reduce the weight of the 18 inch alloy wheels by around 2kgs compared to conventional wheels.
The Audi A2 concept is powered by electricity, via a lithium-ion battery, mounted in the floor, which stores 31kWh of energy with 24kWh of usable power. The electric motor is transversely mounted in the front, producing 116PS of peak power - 80PS continuous - and 270Nm of torque - 160Nm continuous - to the front wheels through a single speed transmission. 0-62mph is achieved in 9.3 seconds with a top speed 93mph, limited to preserve the driving range of 124 miles.
The Audi A2 concept takes around 1.5 hours to charge fully with a 400 volt three phase current, and with the 230 volt household current, in the region of four hours.
The Audi A2 concept can cruise 'semi autonomously', designed to make driving in slow-moving traffic simple. All of the car's operating functions, with the exception of the turn indicators and windscreen wipers, are controlled via two touch pads, which when touched together activates the 'semi autonomous' mode. When in this mode, the driver can regain full control of the vehicle at all times.
Measuring 3804mm long, 1693mm wide and 1494mm tall, the Audi A2 concept provides seating for four with luggage space in the cabin, which is light, clean open and spacious. The dashboard is split into two sections, with the left section, semi circular in shape, encloses the driver's area.
There is no centre tunnel, with the console between the front seats having the ability to be lowered in order to allow passage through the vehicle. Air for cooling and heating flows through a perforated surface beneath the windscreen. The Audi A2 concept's steering wheel is designed with a flat top and bottom, and a single spoke connects the ring to the impact absorber and the two touch pads for controlling many functions.
When the electric drive button is pushed, a band of light animates, encircling the driver and passenger and two touch pads unfold to the right of the steering wheel. The small touch surface on the left is used for gear shifts and the larger one on the right is used for air conditioning and media functions.
The interior colours and materials enhance the impression of lightness and functionality. Larges areas from the door top shoulders to the floor are covered in a tough material with a neoprene surface feel. The floor is covered in a ribbed material made from recycled polyester.
All of the Audi connect technologies feature in the Audi A2 concept, including a Bluetooth online car phone which connects it to the Internet via a Universal Mobile Telecommunications Standard (UMTS) module, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) hotspot providing the ability for passengers to surf and e-mail from their mobile devices and a fast data connection delivers specially prepared news and information to the vehicle.
For navigation, the Audi A2 concept uses Google Earth-enhanced mapping, Audi online traffic information, Google Points of Interest (POI) search via voice control and Google Street View.
