Audi is known as an automotive brand that has a leading role in the development and introduction of automotive innovations. Such, for example, are the increasingly current concepts for models that represent a hybrid between a coupe and a crossover, such as the E-tron Sportback or the Allroad series.
It seems that it will continue to bet on such interesting ideas, as shown by the brand new Activesphere concept model, which is the fourth and last of the Sphere series.
The latest addition is a luxurious and all-electric SUV coupe that can be turned into a pickup truck at the push of a button.
Audi describes the model as its “most versatile concept” – a modular platform with electric drive that is being developed in collaboration with Porsche and can be expected to enter use for future models in the coming years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jRAZq0nIb0
The platform is called the Premium Platform Electrik (PPP) and enables the car to be transformed from a stylish SUV into a pickup truck with an open cargo area suitable for bulky items. There are even brackets for easy mounting on bicycles.
All this is isolated from the passengers by a divider that lifts with a single command.
In terms of dimensions, the car is as long as the Q7 Sportback, but slightly wider and taller due to the increased ground clearance and 86cm diameter tyres. The platform also includes an 800-volt fast charging architecture similar to the Audi E-tron GT Quattro. This means the ability to travel 300 kilometers with just 10 minutes of charging.
The car is powered by two engines – one in the front and one in the back – generating a power of 436 horsepower.
Thanks to the adaptive pneumatic suspension, the road surface of the Astra is changeable. Cтaндapтнaтa виcoчинa oт 208 мм, ĸoятo e пoдoбнa нa тaзи нa Q5, мoжe дa ce yвeличи дo внyшитeлнитe 248 мм в oфpoyд peжим или дa ce пoнижи дo aвтoмoбилнaтa cтoйнocт oт 168 мм зa движeниe пo acфaлт, ĸoeтo e oт пoлзa зa yпpaвлeниeтo и aepoдинaмиĸaтa.
However, the real innovations are inside and include the idea of using augmented reality (AR) glasses that “overlay” information on top of the real environment.
These glasses are used to view gauges, controls, and other items that are typically displayed on screens. Thus, there are no screens on the dashboard, and this allows passengers to focus on what is happening outside or the design elements of the car.
Audi describes the steering as an “invisible” or “digital” layer of vehicle controls and information. The displays change depending on where the driver is looking, as well as according to the needs of the passengers. Everything can be controlled with hand gestures.
Or not to be driven at all, as the Actisphere also has a mode for fully autonomous movement. With it, the steering wheel and other controls are fully retracted and reveal free space in front of the driver.
Concept models like the Activesphere are not intended to be sold, but rather serve as a way for manufacturers to show the future direction of their portfolio, and to gauge consumer interest.
With such technologies being incorporated into the next Audi models, there is certainly much to look forward to in the future.
