What's the news?
According to Audi, the Crosslane Coupé revealed at the Paris Motor Show 'provides pointers to the design language of future Audi Q models' or it could preview an all-new Q2 model. You decide.
Exterior
At 4,250mm long and 1,900mm wide the Crosslane Coupé concept sits between the Audi A3 and Q3 as regards size. Like the Land Rover LRX concept that eventually spawned the Range Rover Evoque the Crosslane is a sporty three-door model with seating for four. There is also a removable carbon-fibre targa roof, although whether that makes it to production remains to be seen.
A new evolution of Audi's 'Ultra' chassis technology, known as the 'Multimaterial Space Frame', makes an appearance and unlike traditional chassis that are hidden away the MSF has actually been integrated into the design of the body with elements like the 3d-effect front grille being part of the chassis.
As the name suggests the Multimaterial Space Frame is made from more than just Audi's traditional aluminium with carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) both incorporated.
Interior
The 2+2 seat Crosslane Coupé features electrically adjustable sport seats with integrated head restraints, the shells of which are made from CFRP. The centre console houses a large gear selector lever that extends from the console when the car is started. A large touchpad, mounted on the low dashboard that is ever so slightly turned towards the driver, provides controls for all the major functions. The virtual displays in the instrument cluster can be toggled between two different levels, and a 'powermeter' shows the drive system's operating status.
Mechanicals
A dual-mode powertrain that can operate as either an electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid may sound like concept frippery but it is the same system used in the latest Audi A1 e-tron prototype. The plug-in hybrid comprises a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine mated to a small electric motor for a combined output of 177hp. A second electric motor (116hp and 250Nm) can be engaged for pure EV driving of up to 85 kilometres. The drivetrain powers the front wheels via a single-speed transmission that provides step-less propulsion.
Anything else?
The Audi Crosslane Coupé brings a new element of the Audi Connect system. Always connected to the internet for easy access to Twitter and Facebook the system also includes a new feature called 'Escape Manager' that allows passengers to review and comment on the routes they are driving for their friends.