Audi->ke14 has unveiled the new Crosslane Coupe Concept at the start of the 2012 Paris Auto Show. This concept offers a glimpse into the design language that will be found in the Q2 and all future Q models. It was built on a new Multimaterial Space Frame and features one of the most innovative and efficient plug-in hybrid drive systems. It also comes with a removable roof, but we highly doubt this feature will make it to production.

The new Crosslane Coupe Concept features some of the design elements already seen in the e-tron concepts->ke3605, but with a more aggressive interpretation to make them suitable for a crossover model. These elements include a single-frame grille and trapezoidal headlights using Audi Matrix LED headlight technology, as well as large air intakes that ensure the best cooling for the hybrid system.

The concept is powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder TFSI combined with two electric motors for a total output of 177 HP. This power is enough to sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.6 seconds and up to a top speed of 113 mph. These are not the best performance numbers out there, but the best part about the setup is that it delivers a money-saving fuel economy of 213.81 US mpg.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Audi Crosslane Coupe Concept.

2012 Audi Crosslane Coupe Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Audi Crosslane Coupe Concept
  • Engine/Motor: inline-3
  • Horsepower: 177
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Audi's latest Crosslane Coupe Concept features a design language that will be used for the long-rumored Q2 SUV, as well as the entire, future Q line-up. The concept is a two-door vehicle offering interior room for 2+2 people and comes with a very cool electronically controlled removable roof.

At the front of the concept is a single-frame grille subdivided into several segments by struts and trapezoidal headlights using Audi Matrix LED headlight technology. The front bumper features large, mainly smooth-surfaced air intakes that not only provide the best cooling of the hybrid system, but through two narrow openings in the front lid, they also offer a glimpse of the upper aluminum members of the Multimaterial Space Frame. The tail lights feature a variation of the motif from the headlights, while the rear bumper incorporates an aluminum diffuser.

The most innovative feature of this concept is its removable roof. It features two CFRP shells so that both the driver and the front passenger can unlatch it by electric drive. The roof weighs just 22 lbs and, at the press of a button, can travel about 40 cm to its end position, where it will still protect the luggage.

Exterior dimensions:

Length

4.21 meters (13.81 ft)

Height

1.51 meters (4.95 ft)

Wide

1.88 meters (6.17 ft)

Wheelbase

2.56 meters (8.40 ft)


New Multimaterial Space Frame

The new Audi Crosslane Coupe Concept has been built on a Multimaterial Space Frame comprised of three materials – aluminum, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP). This system helps the concept deliver an impressive weight of just 3,064 lbs.

Aluminum was used for the rigid structure around the occupant cell, the beams beneath the front lid, and the occupant cell. CFRP was used for the front and rear crash structures, the inner sills, the center tunnel, the bulkhead, and the cross-members in the floor. All the other surfaces of the crossover were made of GFRP components with partial CFRP.

Interior

The concept's interior continues with the same trapezoidal theme of the exterior, while the dominant material is the CFRP used in a number of different variations. CFRP was used for the dashboard, and was combined with aluminum and GFRP for the vehicle floor.

The driver and the front passenger will sit on electrically adjustable sport seats with integrated head restraints, the shells of which are made from CFRP. A large selector lever was placed on the center console and will be used to control the hybrid drive, while the steering wheel incorporates control surfaces for most of the functions.

The concept is also being offered with the latest Audi connect system which allows passengers to connect to the Internet community – via Twitter, Facebook, or uploading photos and videos recorded on the road.

Hybrid Drivetrain

The Crosslane Coupe Concept is powered by a dual-mode hybrid system that includes a combustion engine, two electric motors, and a single-stage transmission. This system delivers a total of 177 HP and sprints the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.6 seconds, or 9.8 seconds in pure electric mode. Top speed goes up to 113 mph, while fuel economy is offered at an impressive 213.81 US mpg.

The main element of this hybrid system is a 1.5 liter three-cylinder TFSI engine that delivers a total of 130 HP and 147.51 lb-ft of torque. This engine is coupled to an electric motor (EM 1), which acts primarily as a starter and an alternator. The EM 1 delivers a total of 68 HP and 154 lbs-ft. A second electric motor EM 2 provides the electrical traction. It delivers a total of 116 HP and 184 lbs-ft of torque.

At speeds of up to 34 mph, the power is supplied only by the EM 2 electric motor which takes its power from a large lithium-ion battery. At speeds from 34 mph to 80 mph, the power is supplied by both the three cylinder and the EM1, while at speeds of more than 80 mph, the three-cylinder engine becomes the main drive source, but the EM 1 can support it if required.

When Can I buy One?

We shouldn't expect to see the Crosslane Coupe Concept on production line as is. Many of its features, however, will be used in the upcoming Q2 set to arrive in 2014.

Competition

By the time the Audi Q2 arrives on the market, Mercedes will also be unveiling their tiny GLA (also known as the GLC). This model will be built on the new A-Class platform and will also arrive sometime in 2014.Models like the Mini Paceman can also be considered competitors for the next Q2. Launched at the Paris Auto Show, the new Paceman will go on sale in 2013. Customers will have to choose between two petrol and two diesel engines, with power ranging from 112 HP to 184 HP.