Multimaterial Space Frame. Click to enlarge.

The Multimaterial Space Frame of the compact Audi crosslane coupé comprises three materials: aluminum, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP). The concept car has an unladen weight of about 1,390 kg (3,064 lb), including the large lithium-ion battery.

The aluminum profiles form a continuous, rigid structure around the occupant cell. Beams beneath the front lid join the single-frame grill, which performs a supporting function and is also made from aluminum, with the occupant cell.

The front and rear crash structures are made from CFRP and the supporting CFRP structures inside the occupant cell include the inner sills, the center tunnel, the bulkhead, and the cross-members in the floor. Surface GFRP components with partial CFRP reinforcements complete the body concept.

Audi says that it is convinced that the highly integrated Multimaterial Space Frame is the right path to the future. Its weight is of the same magnitude as a monolithic body of CFRP. It also offers convincing advantages in terms of costs to the customer and its energy usage in a life cycle assessment.

The dual-mode plug-in hybrid drive consists of a combustion engine, two electric motors and a single-stage transmission; system power is 130 kW (177 hp). The Audi crosslane coupé accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.6 seconds, and in pure electric mode takes 9.8 seconds. The car’s top speed is 182 km/h (113 mph).

The lithium-ion battery has an output of 17.4 kWh, sufficient for an operating range of around 86 km (53.44 miles) in the electric mode.

The combustion engine is a purpose-developed three-cylinder TFSI with a displacement of 1.5 liters, delivering an output of 95 kW (130 hp) and 200 N·m (147.5 lb-ft) of torque. The three-cylinder engine is coupled to an electric motor (EM 1), which acts primarily as a starter and an alternator. It develops an output of 50 kW (68 hp) and 210 N·m (155 lb-ft) of torque.

Electrical traction is provided by the second electric motor (EM 2) developing 85 kW (116 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. The transmission makes it possible to connect the combustion engine complete with alternator to the remainder of the drivetrain by means of a claw clutch.

The dual-mode hybrid concept enables different operating modes. From 0 up to 55 km/h (34 mph), drive power is supplied solely by the EM 2, which draws the energy it needs primarily from the battery. In serial mode, the combustion engine and the alternator (EM 1) produce electrical energy to support, relieve or substitute the battery should it be discharged.

The electric mode is possible at speeds up to 130 km/h (81 mph). Starting at about 55 km/h (34 mph) the drive system allows the TFSI engine together with the alternator to couple to the drivetrain— in this hybrid mode, the drive sources combine to optimize both efficiency and performance. Above 130 km/h (81 mph), the three-cylinder engine becomes the main drive source but the EM 1 can support it if required.

The driver of the Audi crosslane coupé can choose between the “cruise” and “race” settings. The “cruise” mode prioritizes electric driving. The driver does not notice either gear changes or the power source kicking in. When the TFSI is running, its engine speed is always adapted to the road speed without a “rubber-band” effect. The high efficiency of the transmission makes the dual-mode hybrid drive especially efficient in urban traffic, Audi said.

The 2+2-seater Audi crosslane coupé is 4.21 meters long (13.81 ft), 1.88 meters wide (6.17 ft) and 1.51 meters high (4.95 ft), with a wheelbase of 2.56 meters (8.40 ft). It provides a foretaste of the design language of a future generation of Audi Q models.