In 2021, the brand with the four rings began to rewrite the way of developing concept cars; In Ingolstadt they called this new way of conceiving the car “the celebration of progress”, classifying it in a series of concept models that make an ode to electromobility and thus, gradually the Audi Skysphere (roadster), Audi Grandsphere ( sedan) and Audi Urbansphere (station wagon). Today, the German brand closes this trail of concepts with the arrival of the latest member called Audi Activesphere.
What is the Audi Activesphere Concept?
It is enough to see the silhouette of this extraordinary concept to know that in the future, Audi could have a competent Sportback SUV, but for now, let’s leave it at Crossover coupe, we’ll see why. The Audi Activesphere is a conceptual model that does not leave everything to “fiction”, since since its development in the Audi Design Studio in Malibu, California, the scoop was to “accommodate” all the possibilities and capacities from the Audi Premium Electric Platform (PPE), which, from the outset, already put it as a Technological, sustainable, dynamic and versatile premium vehicle.
With almost 5 meters in length and 2.97 m in wheelbase, Audi Activesphere gives the appearance of being a single piece that impeccably nuances the lines and of its bodywork, even when we find different materials and surfaces in it. As a good concept, its main task is to impress, but Audi goes beyond showiness by giving many body components a specific function, for example:
- The fenders are very wide with all-terrain tires in mind
- 22″ matte-finish wheels feature retractable panels for ventilation based on use
- We see the side cameras again doing the task of mirrors and benefiting aerodynamics
- The Singleframe design of the central grill has been incorporated into a glass panel, the same material placed in the lower area of the doors. Is its function? Bring the user and passengers closer to the off road driving experience, without any type of visual obstruction.
- Through an air suspension system, the center of gravity can rise up to 4 centimeters in height.
- The entire exterior lighting package employs micro LEDs and an electroluminescent pattern for the center glass (grille).
dynamic architecture
This family of concepts has been distinguished by having movable or retractable panels such as the steering column in the passenger compartment -which also has the Activesphere- the above in synergy with the autonomous driving functions, however, the new concept presents a more progressive idea in the configuration of the doors: the front ones open traditionally and the rear ones in the opposite way, then comes the interesting:
At the rear, the glass can be retracted flush with the roof to create an open cargo space—in other words, the Activesphere can go from coupe to pickup in a matter of moments (take that, Musk!). All this “metamorphosis”, as Audi calls it, is handled by a small group of motors that mobilizes the panels, including the one for the rear seats so that everything becomes a practical cargo tray, completely isolating the passenger compartment.
Cockpit with digital, autonomous and immersive environment
Audi designers in Malibu do not stray from minimalism and sobriety in the cabin, only that in the Activesphere they make it look more “dynamic” given the adventurous orientation of this concept. As in the exterior, the simplicity in the design of the components in the passenger compartment becomes relevant with the function whose guiding axis is technology:
- The surfaces display horizontal and vertical lines, giving a sensation of space
- The upholstery tones are “lava red”, in contrast to the black, gray and anthracite tones of other panels
- All seats are individual
- In standalone mode, the dashboard, steering column and pedals are hidden giving, along with the entire glass package, a feeling of space and openness.
- The dash surface is a sound bar
- All controls and functions can be operated by gestures and movements.
Additionally, the user can fully connect with the Audi Activesphere through augmented reality allowing you to make use of all vehicle functions in real time, as well as the information collected by the system. This extrapolates the navigation experience on any type of orography and, given its “adventurous” nature, From the virtual reality goggles, each user can consult or manipulate the topographic data and information of the area through which they pass.
800 volt electrical power
As I anticipated you, The heart of all this technological deployment is the Premium Electric Platform (PPE), an architecture developed in conjunction with Porsche and that it will also be the basis for the upcoming electric models of Audi, especially in the B and C segment (pay attention there).
There are many benefits of the PPE, especially in terms of power, recharging and autonomy thanks to a robust electrical system headed by a battery that finds accommodation in the floor of the car, granting the following specifications in the Audi Activesphere:
- 2 electric motors (one on each axis)
- all wheel drive
- Power: 325 kW (436 Hp)
- Torque: 531 lb-ft
- adaptive air suspension
- Autonomy range: 600 kilometers.
This way, Audi closes a trail of impressive electric and autonomous concepts. It only remains to be patient and wait to see how much of what we have seen reaches the upcoming electric series models, and how each of the members of this family will evolve. For now, Audi surprises us again with the Activesphere Concept and the question is the same: How far are we going to go with the cars?
