[Auto/Moto] Audi Activesphere Concept Revealed As Off-Road Coupe That Transforms Into A Pickup

[-_-Moltres-_-]

 

The all-electric concept has 22-inch active wheels with segments that can open and close. Audi has unveiled the Activesphere concept, the fourth vehicle in its sphere lineup of futuristic autonomous all-electric prototypes, after several teasers that seemed to preview a sort of coupe-styled SUV. Well, now we have all the details on the Activesphere, and it’s interesting to say the least, in the sense that yes, it’s a sleek four-door SUV with big wheels and a slope back roof, but it’s so much more than that. With 22-inch wheels that feature movable segments that can open during off-roading and close when driving on tarmac, Audi’s latest concept has a so-called active back, which means the car can transform into a pickup truck at the push of a button. Granted, it’s not the biggest cargo bed out there, considering the whole car measures 196 inches (498 centimeters) long, but it’s more than enough for a pair of e-bikes or water and winter sports gear. Dubbed “a master of metamorphosis” in the official press release, the Activesphere has a motorized bulkhead that deploys from the rear seats to isolate the cabin from the elements and, at the same time, the rear window slides over the roof and the tailgate folds horizontally to open up the cargo compartment. There’s also a ski rack integrated into the center of the roof structure that sits flush with the roofline and can extend when needed.Based on Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, the latest sphere concept uses an 800-volt charging system and offers a maximum estimated range of over 372 miles (600 kilometers) from a 100-kWh battery. The Activesphere has two electric motors – one for each axle – that provide all-wheel drive capabilities and offer a combined output of 325 kW (436 horsepower) and 531 pounds-foot (720 Newton-meters) of torque. The concept also has adaptive air suspension and is said to be a distant successor to Audi’s first Allroad wagon from the 2000s, being built with off-roading and comfort cruising in mind, just like the rugged A6 from the naughties. To this effect, the Activeshphere’s suspension can raise and lower by 1.5 inches (40 millimeters) from its standard position, for a maximum ground clearance of 9.76 inches (248 mm). But the off-road-oriented features don’t stop here, because Audi’s prototype also has transparent glass surfaces on the bottom of the doors and up-front where the grille usually sits on a conventional vehicle, that help with visibility when navigating a rough off-road track.

https://www.automotoworld.info/audi-activesphere-concept-revealed-as-off-road-coupe-that-transforms-into-a-pickup/