Audi has thrown the covers off a surprise idea at the Paris show. officially called the Crosslane Coupe, it’s smaller than the Q3 crossover, so is likely to be badged Q2 if as well as when it makes production.
That seems likely though, as Steve Lewis, Audi head of idea design, told us: “This is far a lot more sensible than something like the quattro concept. Audi’s direction is heading towards a smaller SUV as well as this idea will absolutely influence the production version.”
Following the example of the variety Rover Evoque Coupe, the Crosslane utilizes a stylish three-door design with two little seats in the back, although there’s a removable carbon-fibre targa-style roofing panel. Whether a three or five-door design will make production is still being debated, according to Lewis: “Both lanes are being investigated. We’re trying to persuade the board that this will charm to younger customers, particularly with the targa roof. The variety Rover Evoque was always in our sights when creating this car.”
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It procedures in at 4,250mm long, 1,900mm large as well as 1,500mm high, while the wheelbase is 2,550mm. That makes it somewhat larger in every dimension than a three-door A3 hatchback. However, it’s 135mm shorter as well as 108mm lower than the Q3, confirmation that this previews a new little member of Audi’s Q household of SUVs.
The desing is normal Audi minimalist chic, however it is stated to preview the next generation of Q cars. “We’ve had complaints that all Audis look the same, however with this we are showing a new 3D grille as well as headlights that will set our SUVs apart,” Lewis explained.
It likewise features breakthrough Ultra chassis technology, with a spaceframe that combines carbon-fibre as well as aluminium to minimize weight as well as enhance stiffness. aspects of the chassis can be seen with the bodywork to sensational effect, as well as we’re told that the designers really sketched exactly how the chassis must look before handing it over to the engineers. “This chassis might absolutely make production, although it would utilizes less carbon-fibre – only where it was needed for strengthening,” Uwe Haller, the concept’s chief engineer, told us.
Power comes from a 116bhp electric motor with 250Nm of torque as well as a 130bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine. It’s the exact same powertrain as the A1 e-tron we drove last week, with an electric-only variety of 50 miles before the engine kicks in, so the innovation is definitely feasible.