Audi has unveiled the first sketches of a new all-electric concept to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The Audi A2 concept is a four-person compact model likely to hint at a forthcoming A2 style, a 3.8 meter long city car described as ‘elegant and sporty.’
Like other concepts on show from automakers such as Ford and Smart, the battery-powered A2 contains some clever roof technology — the dark glass turning transparent at the push of a button to flood the vehicle with daylight.
The A2 also uses Audi’s new LED lighting technology, something of an evolution for the humble headlamp.
Instead of bulbs, the package uses LEDs, which change their illumination depending on the driving conditions and stretch all the way along the side of the car, providing a permanent running light and a high-visibility indicator signal.
At the rear, red brake light LEDs show the strength of braking and a laser diode replaces the traditional rear fog light, producing a beam of light through the fog and projecting a red triangle onto the road to warn following drivers of the car’s presence ahead.
Inside, there is storage space underneath the fold-up seat cushions and driver controls are presented on pop-up panels that extend from the dashboard when the engine is started.
The concept will be on show at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which runs September 15-25 in Frankfurt, Germany.
Official Release Below:
With the electric-only powertrain of the A2 concept, Audi is offering another peek into the future of electric mobility at the 64th International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. The technical study features a classic, premium-standard space concept that offers plenty of room for four people.
The Audi A2 concept is just 3.80 meters (12.47 ft) long, 1.69 meters (5.54 ft) wide and 1.49 meters (4.89 ft) high; even so, it makes an elegant, powerful and sporty impression on the street. Its clean appearance concentrates on the essentials; all details are subtle but shaped for visual impact. The dark glass roof of the white-painted show car switches to transparency with the push of a button.
With its headlights, Audi is presenting the next phase in LED technology, known as matrix beam. A package of LEDs and microreflectors generate a high-resolution and non-glaring high-beam light. Delicate daytime running light fibers frame the highly efficient LED low-beam light module. Intelligent tail lights adapt their illumination to the visibility conditions. The rear fog light, produced by laser diodes, is seen as a beam of light in fog and projects a red triangle onto the road as a warning.
The dynamic light runs below the edge of the window from the front to the rear of the A2 concept – a band of light that contains a multitude of innovative, dynamic light functions. Integrated approach sensors detect the owner and unlock the doors via gesture control. While driving, the dynamic light functions as a continuous side marker light. If the car’s indicator is activated, light impulses run throughout the entire band of light.
In addition, a red bar of light flows forward from the tail lights when braking and demonstrates the strength of the brakes intuitively for other road users.
The dynamic light is also located in the cockpit area of the show car, structured in two separate arches. Like the entire interior, the dash panel has a light and clean look and intuitive controls. The driver manages many important features via touch-control areas on the inside of the steering wheel. Two additional control surfaces fold up at the driver’s right when starting the vehicle. An open profile serves as the steering column; a seven-inch display and two secondary displays are located at its end.
The Audi A2 concept has a flat interior floorboard. The center console is attached to the driver’s seat; the rear console extends forward between the two rear seats. The four individual seats add lightness, and there is storage space under the fold-up seat cushions. There is room between the rear seats for a city bicycle with its front wheel removed. The load area has two levels; a frame with functional nets creates the upper level.
The colors and materials in the interior support the impression of lightness and functionality. The large areas from the door top shoulders to the floor bear a new and innovative covering material made of polyurethane with a neoprene surface feel; a ribbed material made from recycled polyester covers the central floor area. The seat shells are made with a plastic blow molding technique. Aluminum elements create highlights the cockpit.