At the Tokyo Motor Show (24.10. - 11.11.2007) Audi is unveiling the metroproject quattro, an original, characteristically Audi design study for the sub-compact segment. The three-door four-seater car blends dynamic styling with exemplary economy of space and supreme quality in trailblazing fashion. At the same time, a series of visionary technical solutions take efficiency, dynamism and motoring pleasure into new territory as only Audi knows how.
The drive unit for the metroproject quattro showcases a fully independent, innovative hybrid technology. At work under the bonnet is a 1.4.litre TFSI engine developing 110 kW (150 bhp), whose power is directed to the front wheels by means of the S-tronic Direct Shift Gearbox. A 30 kW (41 bhp) electric motor positioned on the rear axle is able to deliver up to an additional 200 Nm of torque when the vehicle is accelerating. When boosting, in other words driving the vehicle simultaneously by TFSI and electric motor to achieve a dynamic driving style, the study is transformed from a front-wheel-drive car to a quattro, and power is transferred to the road in the most effective way possible.
The electric motor is furthermore capable of powering the vehicle alone for zero-emission driving in residential areas, for instance. The capacity of the lithium-ion batteries gives the vehicle a range of up to 100 km in pure electric mode; the motor can be recharged from any power socket. The automatic start/stop facility, energy regeneration and phases of purely electrical operation reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of the Audi metroproject quattro by around 15 percent compared to when it is running exclusively on the combustion engine. Despite its sporty performance (0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, top speed of 201 km/h), the study uses just 4.9 litres of premium fuel for every 100 km, while CO2 emissions average a mere 112 g/km.
Exterior
The concept car's styling is simple and coherent, making it look as if it has been cast from a single mould. The basic proportions, with a high vehicle body and a flat window area bordered by a coupé-like roof line, produce a virtually classic look for a vehicle bearing the four rings. Tracing the roof's silhouette are two striking, sturdy aluminium arches which run along the top edge of the windows to connect the A and C-posts, further emphasising the dynamic appeal of the powerfully built, compact vehicle body. The tail is rounded off by a spoiler integrated into the rear window.
The side-on view presents another typical coupé attribute in the form of doors with frameless windows and no visible B-pillar. The bold segmentation of the study's side panelling with its gently rising shoulder line accentuates the styling.
The shoulder line of the Audi metroproject quattro with its Racing Red paint finish is a new interpretation of yet another trademark feature of the current Audi design. Here, the prominent double lines continue around the entire vehicle as a curvaceous band that links the front end – from which it seems to emerge – with the vehicle's tail, that rises to create a slightly wedge-shaped effect. At the front, the metroproject quattro's lowered bonnet that is virtually embedded into the shoulder line forms a novel styling element.
The single-frame grille with its chequered-flag look and four interlinking rings leaves no doubt as to the study's sporty temperament, an impression that is further underlined by the aluminium finish on elements such as the grille, mirror housings, door handles, fuel filler cap and tailpipes.
The design of the three-dimensional main headlights in innovative LED technology is especially eye-catching. The reflectors focus the light emitted by each diode to create a powerful, uniform beam whose white light colour barely places any strain on the driver's eyes, even when driving for long distances at night.
The daytime running lights are also based on LED technology, which promises extra-low energy consumption in addition to its design benefits.
The two-tone multipiece wheels that have been embellished by the addition of
V-shaped polished aluminium elements lend further emphasis to the vehicle's sportiness and exclusiveness.
The wraparound tailgate joins the sides with the tail. The sculpture-like tail lights with their three-dimensional glass lens design extend far into the vehicle's flanks. When the tailgate is opened, the discreetly illuminated electric motor can be viewed through a glass panel, in similar fashion to the R8's engine. The luggage compartment itself holds a respectable 240 litres.
The body of the Audi metroproject quattro makes optimum use of the modest-sized footprint of a premium compact-class car. Measuring 3.91 m long and 1.75 m wide with a wheelbase of 2.46 m, it succeeds in combining sporty looks with impressive economy of space thanks to its short overhangs. The transverse installation of the engine also has a significant role to play in this respect. Meanwhile, the vehicle's height of 1.40 m means there is plenty of headroom in the rear too.
Interior
The interior, with its four individual seats and a surprisingly generous amount of spaciousness for this class, has a tidy, no-frills appearance. The curving wrap-around element merges the doors and the sporty cockpit into a single whole. The dashboard and centre console are designed entirely around the driver. Ergonomics and aesthetics unite to create an ambience of clear-cut architecture and high-class appeal. This impression is further enhanced by the two-tone colour concept. The instrument cluster shroud, the wraparound and the centre console are trimmed in a contrasting colour to inject the interior with added dynamism. Details such as the air vents and air conditioning controls seem to be straight out of a jet plane. This same thinking was behind the soft finish of the interior's surfaces. The round dials and the air vents, which are also circular, are reminiscent of a classic sports car cockpit à la Audi TT.
The aluminium insert in the centre console comprises the Audi mobile device as well as the start/stop button behind the gear lever. In the rear portion of the centre console can be found a thermos flask featuring an innovative cooling and heating system.
The sporty seats with integrated head restraints offer levels of comfort and ergonomics that far exceed the customary standards in the sub-compact class and live up to the expectations of a typical Audi.
The materials used for both the seat upholstery and the interior trim appeal with their high-class looks and feel. The contrasting colour scheme featuring dark panels and red stitching adds substance to the car’s overall sporty character.