Last week we reported on the news that Audi was planning to debut an estate version of its prologue concept in Geneva. Now more details of the mechanical underpinnings of the stunning show car have been released.
Exterior
Even though the prologue Avant is an estate, it very much adopts a sporting image, with a sharply raked tailgate. That said, it still comes in at a lengthy 5.11 metres and features a wheelbase of 3.04 metres. Its front end is much the same as what was seen on the standard prologue concept last year though the grille now features a brushed aluminium look to highlight the e-tron style. The three-dimensional headlights use some of the latest lighting technology recently shown by Audi.
Riding on massive 22-inch wheels, the prologue Avant showcases a futuristic take on the rotor design currently employed by Audi. Its dark blue hue does much to underplay the sheer size of the car and helps to emphasise further the clean lines of the handle-less doors, which can be opened by touchpads on the illuminated surface areas.
Interior
Even though the prologue Avant carries additional bodywork, it remains a four-seat car. Its cabin is a look into the near future of Audi's interior architecture and infotainment plans. The centre console contains a flexible OLED display that rises upwards when occupants enter the car. It incorporates settings for seat adjustment, climate control and as well as audio and media controls. The curved display is designed to be as ergonomic as possible for both the driver and passenger to use.
Rear passengers are greeted with ultra-thin curved Audi tablet computers that use curved OLED technology as well; these are incorporated into the backs of the front seats and are similar to the tablet that will feature in the new Audi Q7, due to go on sale later this year.
Mechanicals
Powering the prologue Avant is a plug-in hybrid system comprising of a 3.0-litre TDI engine with an output of 353hp, and an electric motor, which is integrated into the car's eight-speed automatic transmission, developing 100kW. The result is a total system output of 455hp with a combined 750Nm of torque, all of which is transmitted through the prologue Avant's permanent all-wheel drive quattro system.
With this much power on tap, the prologue Avant can reach 100km/h from a standstill in 5.1 seconds and is capable of a top speed that is electronically limited to 250km/h. Despite having such performance, the plug-in hybrid drivetrain means that it will consume just 1.61 litres/100km (176mpg) while emitting only 43g/km of CO2. The on-board lithium-ion battery can enable an electric-only driving range of 54 kilometres.
Adding further to the driving experience of the prologue Avant is a four-wheel steering system. The rear-wheel steering works via an electric motor that actuates two tie rods at low to moderate speeds, turning the rear wheels up to five degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels to enhance cornering agility. At higher speed the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels enabling the prologue Avant to execute direction changes in a more controlled fashion.
Anything else?
Unlike existing plug-in hybrid offerings from Audi, such as the A3 e-tron, the prologue Avant features the Audi wireless charging (AWC) system. This charges up via a plate that is connected to the electricity grid and is embedded inside a home garage, or in a parking space. The plate features a primary coil and an inverter, which, when activated, induces a magnetic field of alternating current that is capable of recharging the car's battery without the need to connect any cables.