Audi unveiled a stunner of a futuristic concept in Detroit, the Allroad Shooting Brake, a compact hybrid crossover using inputs from their cars as well as e-tron technology.
The compact hybrid is a step into the future design-wise and incorporated the elements of a shooting brake while possessing a purposeful SUV-like stance. The body is lightweight and is constructed from aluminium and carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP). It fits four occupants comfortably and uses narrow sports seats up front for optimal comfort and ease of entry. Dimensionally, it measures just 4,200mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,410mm tall, running a 2,510mm wheelbase. It weighs in at just 1,600 kg. That’s commendable, because under the skin are a four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, two electric motors and a battery pack.
The 2.0-litre TFSI motor makes 292 PS and 380 Nm of torque. The control unit also switched to indirect injection when needed, to save fuel even further. The electric motor up front makes 40 kW (54 PS) and 270 Nm. The engine and the motor drive the front wheels via a 6-speed e-S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. There’s a second electric motor powering the rear axle. This one makes 85 kW (115 PS) and 270 Nm of torque. This setup essentially makes it an e-tron quattro, with electric four-wheel drive. A liquid-cooled 8.8 kWh battery pack takes charge for the drive. It allows up to 50 kilometres of all-electric driving. The maximum combined output is 408 PS and 650 Nm. Performance is sure to not leave anyone wanting. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes just 4.6 seconds and the Allroad Shooting Brake will go on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
The are three drive modes which allow the driver to choose the sort of performance required. The first is EV mode, which enables full-electric drive and only uses the rear electric motor. The car can attain a top speed of up to 130 km/h. The second is Hybrid mode, where the powertrain is optimised for maximum efficiency, using the electric motor as a generator to charge the battery when powered by the TFSI engine. This mode can return up to 52.7 km/l. Finally, there’s Sport mode, which unleashes the full power of the driveline.
With an impending compact SUV to be positioned below the Q3, there may just be something more stirring in the pot. Stay tuned for more.
Story: Jim Gorde
Images: Audi, QuattroWorld
