fallmonk
Turbo Sport
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2004
- Messages
- 1,865
- Reaction score
- 5
- Points
- 38
- Location
- Glesga,home of the rain god!
- Website
- www.filshill.co.uk
http://cars.uk.msn.com/news/car_news_article.aspx?cp-documentid=6700567
Revealed: Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro
By Christopher Hubbard
November 15 2007
Audi is set to bring a breath of fresh air to the SUV sector when it introduces its Q5 compact 4x4 in 2008.
But the latest concept version goes even further than we were expecting by demonstrating an off-roader with a convertible roof.
Ultra clean diesel
This is the Cross Cabriolet Quattro. On show at the Los Angeles motor show this week, it follows on from the Cross Coupé concept that debuted at Shanghai in April this year, and gives us all a glimpse of what a future Q5 may look like. The drop-top styling is not only highly unusual, it is also Audi's clever way of highlighting its ultra-clean new diesel engine technology. Based on the current 3.0-litre TDI V6, the Cross Cabriolet's engine is so efficient it can even pass California's stringent emissions regulations. The previous generation petrol-engined Audi TT couldn't even do that.
Cutting edge common-rail injection, exhaust gas recirculation, and an exhaust after-treatment system using an AdBlue additive combine to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90%. Despite this, the engine still delivers 237bhp and 369lb ft of torque - enough to propel the Cross Cabriolet from 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds and onto 149mph, while returning 38.6mpg. Even if nothing else about the Cross Cabriolet is real, the innovation here will start showing up in road cars in 2008, helping Audi meet its pledge to reduce CO2 emissions by 20% before 2012. But this isn't the Cross Cabriolet's only neat trick.
High-tech sat-nav and stereo
The satellite navigation is provided via an internet connection, and uses Google Earth. This delivers photorealistic 3D maps from a bird's eye perspective, and removes the need to enter an address - users can simply click on their destination and be directed there. The Bang & Olufsen stereo also uses the internet, providing a tailor-made internet radio station; passengers can rate the songs it selects to help it understand their preferences. And in order to help keep conversation up when the roof is down, the Cross Cabriolet even has a seat-mounted intercom, using four discrete microphones and the stereo's speakers. Just don't plan on having any private discussions in crowded areas.
While those features are all rather far fetched, the Cross Cabriolet does incorporate lots of Audi's current technology. The Quattro four-wheel drive system has the latest 40:60 front-rear bias. It uses the Continuous Damping Control first seen on the Q7 to provide the smoothest possible ride, while the drive select system switches suspension, throttle and engine management modes for different driving situations. Alongside 'sport' and 'dynamic' already seen in the new A4, the Cross Cabriolet has an 'efficiency' setting and an off-road mode. 'Efficiency' cuts everything back - including the air-conditioning - and even accounts for braking distances to save up to 20% in fuel.
Switch to off-road and the ride-height goes up by 40mm, and the shock absorbers go to their softest setting. The Cross Cabriolet also has a mechanical locking differential for when the going really gets rough - but we anticipate the production Q5 will be very much more road-biased. Which should suit the massive 21-inch wheels fitted here far better. Underpinning everything is the same platform as the A5 and new A4, as it will in the Q5. The super-strong double-layer floor structure and special neck warming air vents won't be necessary in a fixed roof car, however, and will remain concept only - for now.
Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro
Click on an image to enlarge it
Revealed: Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro
By Christopher Hubbard
November 15 2007
Audi is set to bring a breath of fresh air to the SUV sector when it introduces its Q5 compact 4x4 in 2008.
But the latest concept version goes even further than we were expecting by demonstrating an off-roader with a convertible roof.
Ultra clean diesel
This is the Cross Cabriolet Quattro. On show at the Los Angeles motor show this week, it follows on from the Cross Coupé concept that debuted at Shanghai in April this year, and gives us all a glimpse of what a future Q5 may look like. The drop-top styling is not only highly unusual, it is also Audi's clever way of highlighting its ultra-clean new diesel engine technology. Based on the current 3.0-litre TDI V6, the Cross Cabriolet's engine is so efficient it can even pass California's stringent emissions regulations. The previous generation petrol-engined Audi TT couldn't even do that.
Cutting edge common-rail injection, exhaust gas recirculation, and an exhaust after-treatment system using an AdBlue additive combine to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90%. Despite this, the engine still delivers 237bhp and 369lb ft of torque - enough to propel the Cross Cabriolet from 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds and onto 149mph, while returning 38.6mpg. Even if nothing else about the Cross Cabriolet is real, the innovation here will start showing up in road cars in 2008, helping Audi meet its pledge to reduce CO2 emissions by 20% before 2012. But this isn't the Cross Cabriolet's only neat trick.
High-tech sat-nav and stereo
The satellite navigation is provided via an internet connection, and uses Google Earth. This delivers photorealistic 3D maps from a bird's eye perspective, and removes the need to enter an address - users can simply click on their destination and be directed there. The Bang & Olufsen stereo also uses the internet, providing a tailor-made internet radio station; passengers can rate the songs it selects to help it understand their preferences. And in order to help keep conversation up when the roof is down, the Cross Cabriolet even has a seat-mounted intercom, using four discrete microphones and the stereo's speakers. Just don't plan on having any private discussions in crowded areas.
While those features are all rather far fetched, the Cross Cabriolet does incorporate lots of Audi's current technology. The Quattro four-wheel drive system has the latest 40:60 front-rear bias. It uses the Continuous Damping Control first seen on the Q7 to provide the smoothest possible ride, while the drive select system switches suspension, throttle and engine management modes for different driving situations. Alongside 'sport' and 'dynamic' already seen in the new A4, the Cross Cabriolet has an 'efficiency' setting and an off-road mode. 'Efficiency' cuts everything back - including the air-conditioning - and even accounts for braking distances to save up to 20% in fuel.
Switch to off-road and the ride-height goes up by 40mm, and the shock absorbers go to their softest setting. The Cross Cabriolet also has a mechanical locking differential for when the going really gets rough - but we anticipate the production Q5 will be very much more road-biased. Which should suit the massive 21-inch wheels fitted here far better. Underpinning everything is the same platform as the A5 and new A4, as it will in the Q5. The super-strong double-layer floor structure and special neck warming air vents won't be necessary in a fixed roof car, however, and will remain concept only - for now.
Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro
Click on an image to enlarge it
