Audi says its Urban Concept takes inspiration from the company's Auto Union racecars of the 1930s as well as from modern sailplanes. The lightweight (1,058-pound) two-seater is designed for urban mobility -- moving one or two people efficiently through a city.
Utilizing carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer bodywork wrapped around an aluminum structure, the Urban Concept makes use of cutting-edge construction. Its pushrod suspension design mounts the springs and dampers horizontally inside the body.
Power comes from a transversely mounted lithium-ion battery packaged between the seats. The battery drives two electric motors which, combined produce 20 hp and 35 lb-ft of torque through a single-speed transmission. Audi Wireless Charging (AWC) is incorprated into the concept's design, allowing the Urban to be "refueled" using induction and eliminating the need for a cord or a charging station.
Audi claims the Urban Concept will hit its top speed of 62 mph in 16.9 seconds.
Reinforcing the roadster portion of the Urban's design is its sliding canopy, which can be left open while driving. Neither roll-up windows nor an air-conditioner is included. A Spyder version of the Urban is also in development.
The Urban Concept's cockpit is highly adjustable. Its pedals can be moved 8.7 inches fore/aft while its steering wheel's position is also highly adjustable.
ed124c says:
01:02 PM, 09/12/11
Oh, now I see why the passenger seat is pushed back-- this allows shouder room for both driver and passenger.
However, the fact that the body of this thing is probably 2 feet narrower than the fenders is what makes this a necessity. I guess I don't see the reason for this narrow body, unless it is just for style over function.
throwback says:
01:34 PM, 09/12/11
I like this a lot, I would commute in this. Although I prefer the VW XL1.