Reading Time • 3 min read
Mercedes has the EQS, BMW will launch the i7 in 2022. What can we expect from Audi, what will be its next-generation luxury sedan? The people of Ingolstadt are working on the issue. At the IAA in Munich (September 7 to 12, 2021), Audi will unveil with the Grand Sphere concept. This is the second of the three announced Sphere prototypes and is most likely the harbinger of an all-electric successor to the A8.
The most important thing we know about the Audi car
With a length of 5.3 meters, the concept is clearly aimed at the luxury class. More interesting, however, are the proportions: the glazed part (the so-called Greenhous) looks significantly lower than it really is – an effect that visually lengthens the car. The design trick is hidden in a curved aluminum decorative strip, which “guides” the eye and creates the feeling that the car is more sloping. The air conditioning components are located under the relatively short hood, which provides more space in the cockpit.
The most attractive part of the Grand Sphere is definitely the rear. The line of the roof descends initially smoothly backwards, and then falls sharply. The boot lid is, so to speak, a continuation of the aluminum strip described above. This makes the prototype a combination of Sportback and sedan.
In the standard version, the doors that open in opposite directions, as well as the missing B-pillar are likely to fall off. The current construction facilitates entry. And so we come to the most important part of the car: the Grand Sphere is designed not as usual from the outside in, but quite the opposite. The focus is on a generous space for passengers, around which the body is adapted. According to the Audi Grand Sphere, it should be a kind of “third living space” for people after the apartment and the office.
The layout of the cockpit in this way is possible thanks to two things: electric drive and autonomous driving. The electric drive allows more space, as electric motors and batteries take up much less space than internal combustion engines, conventional transmission and cardan shaft. In addition, the production version of the Grand Sphere will later be able to master level 4 autonomous driving.
It is unlikely that the rear seats will remain the same in the standard version – as well as there will be no ficus and water dispenser in the central tunnel as in the prototype. However, it is certain that the dashboard, which moves forward, as well as the folding steering wheel provide much more space than in the Mercedes EQS and Tesla Model S.
Control in the cockpit is not by pressing or voice commands, but by Eyetracking and gestures. Sensors recognize where the driver is looking and select the appropriate symbol. By pressing in the door armrest, the selection is confirmed and the system changes the corresponding menu. For example, if you want to set the air conditioner, you need to look at the corresponding controller in the door.
At the moment there is almost no data on the drive. The PPE platform will probably be used as a base – which will also use the electric Porsche Macan and Audi A6 e-tron. The energy will come from a battery with a capacity of 120 kW – which should provide 800 km of mileage on a single charge.
source:autobild.bg
Reading Time • 2 min read
Audi has introduced its concept Skysphere. As you may recall, the car will never go into series production in this form, but for those who can read between the lines, it is clear that this design will be partially transferred to the next A8, A6 and electric models e-tron.
Skysphere is a child of the future not only because of its futuristic design. The technique is also quite crazy – the wheelbase, for example, can change its length to turn the two-seater roadster from a comfortable GT. Thus, when folded, the wheelbase is similar to that of RS 5, and when unfolded, 250 mm is added. With the added wheelbase it is the length of the A8 L. The inspiration was the Horch 853 from the 30s, which certainly does not have a variable wheelbase. It is a symbol of luxury in Europe between the wars. Skysphere is 4.94 to 5.19 meters long, depending on the length of the wheelbase.
Although he looks like a muscular macho, every detail in Skysphere is well thought out and has a complex system. The 23-inch wheels are not only great, but provide additional cooling to the regenerative brakes. The entire front grille is an illuminated screen that can send signals to pedestrians.
The drive is entrusted to electric traction. A single electric motor in the rear axle provides 632 hp. and 750 Nm, which through the four wheels materialize in acceleration to 100 km / h in 4 seconds. The concept model is powered by an 80-kilowatt-hour battery, enough for 500 km on a single charge.
Interior of the future. When you extend the wheelbase, the system automatically assumes that you are not driving, but sleeping or relaxing… So it retracts the steering wheel in the dashboard and hides the pedals on the floor. This is in order to provide the widest possible space for rest. Or car cinema. However, in front of you rises a 55.7-inch screen on which you can easily enjoy your favorite movies. There are no buttons, everything is controlled with the touch screen, gestures and voice commands. Let’s repeat that to a large extent this car will live in the new A8 and then in the A6.
In sport mode, where the wheelbase is shorter, the steering wheel and pedals are returned and the dashboard is changed to form a cockpit for the driver.
Skysphere is not the last such prototype of Audi. The company will show two more – Grandsphere and Urbansphere – the first will be a limousine and the second – a hatchback. We expect them in the coming months.
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