Audi’s Crosslane Coupe hybrid concept has made its debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and provides insight into the design language of future Audi Q models. The Audi Crosslane Coupe concept is designed to appeal to young customers with its removable roof and customisable services under the Audi connect concept.

Audi Crosslane Coupe Concept features special qualities

??Multimaterial Space Frame

The Audi Crosslane Coupe concept, with its Multimaterial Space Frame breaks new ground in terms of weight, cost and energy usage over its lifecycle and forms part of Audi’s lightweight construction principle called Audi Ultra. The Multimaterial Space Frame comprises three materials including aluminium, carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP). The Audi Crosslane Coupé concept weighs 1390kg.

Aluminium forms the rigid structure around the occupant cell and aluminium beams beneath the front lid join the single-frame grille and fulfil a supporting function. The front and rear crash structures are made of CFRP and surface GFRP components with partial CFRP reinforcements complete the body concept.

Hybrid Powertrain

The plug-in hybrid drive, also known as a dual mode hybrid, comprises a 1.5-litre, three cylinder TFSI engine, two electric motors and a single-stage transmission which together produce a total of 130kW. The TFSI engine produces 96kW and 200Nm of torque. The first electric motor produces 50kW and acts as a starter and alternator. The second electric motor provides electrical traction and develops 85kW and 250Nm of torque.

The Audi Crosslane coupe concept accelerates to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds or 9.8 seconds in pure electric mode. The Crosslane’s top speed is 182km/h. Fuel consumption is estimated at 1.1-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 26g/km. The lithium-ion battery produces 17.4kWh with a range of about 85km in electric mode.

Exterior Styling Features

The Audi Crosslane Coupe concept is 4.21 metres long, 1.88 metres wide and 1.51 metres high with a wheel base of 2.56 metres. The front-end features a single-frame grille divided into segments by struts. The trapezoidal headlights use Audi Matrix LED headlight technology and the bumper incorporates large smooth air intakes.

The boot lid seam divides the rear headlights into two sections and the bumper’s lower section incorporates an aluminium diffuser. The roof, made of two CFRP shells, weighs less than 10kg and can be detached and fitted over the load area.

Interior Styling

The Crosslane Coupé features electrically adjustable sport seats with integrated head restraints made of CFRP. The centre console integrates the gear selector which extends electrically when the car is started and is used to control the hybrid drive. The steering wheel spokes have control surfaces for the thumbs for easy functionality.

A large touchpad on the centre console offers additional functionality. ??The dashboard is clearly focused towards the driver and the air conditioning controls incorporate miniature displays. The Audi Crosslane coupe concept features Audi Connect which provides internet access and incorporates ‘Escape Manager’ which allows passengers to review and comment on routes.

Semi-aniline leather is most widely used in the interior while velvet leather in black provides an appealing contrast. CFRP is extensively used in the interior while the aluminium elements are machine polished and the air nozzles use a black anodised light alloy. The vehicle floor is made from GFRP incorporating thick cords that are woven with rubber threads to form a hard-wearing carpet.