Audi’s Crossover Concept Highlights Light-Weight Materials

Audi says lightweight materials cut the bulk of its Crosslane crossover coupe hybrid concept including a large lithium-ion battery to less than 3,100 lbs.

The Volkswagen AG unit, which unveiled the Crosslane at the Paris auto show last week, says the four-seater's angular styling signals the look of future Audi crossovers. Media reports speculate the brand will eventually put the concept into production as the Q2.

The Crosslane measures about 6 feet wide, 5 feet tall and slightly less than 14 feet long. The vehicle uses an all-aluminum occupant safety cell. Front and rear crash structures, bulkhead, center tunnel and crossmembers are made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. The body is made of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic.

Audi says the vehicle's "multimaterial space frame" weighs about the same as a vehicle made entirely of carbon-reinforced plastic but costs less.

The Crosslane's dual-mode hybrid powertrain consists of a two electric motors, a 17.4-kWh battery, a single-speed transmission and a three-cylinder, 1.5-liter diesel engine. Audi says the system produces a combined 177 hp that can accelerate the vehicle from zero to 62 mph in 8.6 seconds.

The powertrain burns 1.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (214 mpg) and emits just 26 g/km of carbon dioxide on the European driving cycle, according to the company.

One of the Crosslane's electric motors serves as a starter/alternator. The second motor, which makes 116 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, powers the vehicle from a standstill to 34 mph. The diesel engine joins in between 35 mph and 81 mph, then takes over exclusively at higher speeds.