Audi is set to
unveil an attractive technical study – the A3 e-tron concept – in
Shanghai. The four-seat notchback sedan integrates the full breadth of
the brand’s technological expertise – from the enhanced MMI operating
system, to the high-end infotainment system, to the drivetrain. And with
its two powerplants and lithium-ion batteries that store enough energy
to propel the car on electric power alone for up to 54 km (34 miles),
the plug-in hybrid also delivers high fuel efficiency.
Design and body
The Audi A3 e-tron concept is a four-seat notchback sedan. It
measures 4.44 meters (14.57 ft) long and 1.84 meters (6.04 ft) wide, but
just 1.39 meters (4.56 ft) high – proportions that underscore its
dynamic character.
The design represents the typical Audi language of sporty elegance.
The single-frame grille is integrated into the front end, giving it a
sculptured look. Its frame is made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer
(CFRP), and the transversely mounted, three-dimensional aluminum louvers
create a visual effect that emphasizes the showcar’s width. The
headlights merge with the beveled upper corners of the single-frame,
forming a transition that marks the starting point of the prominently
accentuated lines of the engine hood.
The headlights represent a new stage of evolution in LED
technology, a groundbreaking innovation from Audi. They become broader
as they extend outward, and a line underneath makes them seem to float
on air. Above the front spoiler is a full-length air intake, also made
of CFRP, framed by a metal clasp. The spoiler features a splitter that
increases the downforce on the front wheels.
When viewed from the side, too, the A3 e-tron concept is
recognizable at first sight as an Audi – with its harmonious
proportions, taut, muscular surfaces and a low roof dome with fluid
lines flowing into a flat, coupe-like C-pillar. The shoulder area
transitions elegantly into the tailgate. Characteristic of Audi design,
the greenhouse accounts for one-third of the height, while the sheet
metal makes up the remaining two-thirds.
Powerfully flared fenders hint at the power of the engine. Two
prominently elaborated lines accentuate the flank: the undercut tornado
line beneath the window edge and the dynamic line above the sills. The
exterior mirrors, made of aluminum and CFRP, are perched atop the
window-channel strips. The door handles with their brushed-aluminum
clasps are recessed flush with the door. When the driver touches them,
they power-extend.
The intelligent interplay between surfaces and lines also defines
the tail end of the A3 e-tron concept. The broad, flat tail lights are
sculptured and culminate in a point on the inside, and the tailgate
bears an elegant spoiler edge. The rear apron includes a diffuser insert
of CFRP and metal, which in turn surrounds the two large tailpipes for
the exhaust system.
Ultra-modern components, design methods and joining techniques keep
the body weight low. One example of this are the custom tailored blanks
(panels of various thicknesses) in the floor area. The doors, engine
hood and tailgate are made of aluminum. With its high levels of
rigidity, the body provides the basis for the sedan’s precise handling,
excellent vibrational comfort and low weight – the Audi A3 e-tron
concept tips the scales at just 1,720 kilograms (3,792 lb).
Interior
The interior of the showcar is generously proportioned. The long
wheelbase measuring 2.63 meters (8.63 ft) – a best-in-class figure in
the premium compact segment – gives rear passengers on the two
individual seats a pleasing amount of knee room. The front sport seats
with prominent side bolsters are slim and elegant.
The cockpit, too, gives an impression of lightness and airiness.
The horizontal lines emphasize its design. The instrument panel draws
the driver in – typical of Audi. Defined in three dimensions, the large
trim strip is made of solid aluminum and includes control functions. The
high-quality sound system in the doors and on the rear shelf has
aluminum trim panels. When the audio system is turned on, they extend a
few millimeters, thus orchestrating a visual accompaniment to the
system’s excellent sound.
On the center console, four large, round air vents echoing a jet’s
design catch the eye. The air flow is adjusted by pulling and pushing on
the center axis of the vents. The control knobs for the automatic air
conditioning system are located in the lower section of the center
console on a boldly protruding, dedicated control panel. Visually, they
are reminiscent of airplane turbines.
Behind the compact, flat-bottomed, three-spoke multifunction
steering wheel is an innovative display concept that renders the
individual driving states of the hybrid drive clear-cut and tangible.
The tachometer on the instrument cluster has been replaced by a “power
meter,” with a needle that indicates the total system output on a scale
of 0 to 100 percent. A second scale is divided into colored segments. At
a glance, the green and orange segments clearly indicate where the A3
e-tron concept is drawing its power – from the electric motor, the
combustion engine, or a combination of both. An additional instrument
displays the charge level of the battery.
In between the two large round dials is the large, eight-inch
display for the driver information system. This display and the large
monitor of the MMI system show the operating states and power flows in
the hybrid system in elegant graphics with a three-dimensional effect.
The MMI monitor also displays differentiated consumption and
recuperation statistics in easily understandable bar graphs.
The control panel for the MMI multimedia system is located on the center
tunnel console. The interface on its large rotary pushbutton features
another novelty – the “MMI touch” touchpad. This new solution, which
makes the already exemplary operation even more intuitive, will soon be
introduced in series production at Audi. The ultra-thin MMI monitor
power-extends upwards out of the instrument panel, another feature taken
from the full-size car class.
In terms of infotainment, the Audi A3 e-tron concept shows why the
brand is leading the competition. A UMTS model provides full access to
the Internet, allowing the car to retrieve convenient services from
Google. Thanks to the WLAN hotspot, passengers can surf and send e-mail
to their hearts’ content. Holders for iPads are installed on the back of
the front seat backrests.
A classic notchback sedan, the Audi A3 e-tron concept boasts a large
luggage compartment with a volume of 410 liters (14.48 cubic ft) and a
low loading lip.
Drivetrain
Designed as a plug-in hybrid, the A3 e-tron concept is propelled by
two power units – a 155-kW (211-hp) 1.4 TFSI four-cylinder engine with
turbocharging and gasoline direct injection and an electric motor with
an output of 20 kW (27 hp). The system provides a combined output of 175
kW (238 hp). Working together, the gasoline engine and electric motor
accelerate the notchback to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.8 seconds, then on
to 231 km/h (143.54 mph). A regulated oil pump, the intelligent Audi
thermal management system, a start-stop system and an energy recovery
system – technologies from the brand’s modular efficiency platform – all
contribute to this high efficiency.
At the heart of the A3 e-tron concept are the lithium-ion batteries
located behind the rear seats. With a charge capacity of 12 kWh, they
give the notchback a range of up to 54 km (34 miles) on electric power
alone.
The batteries are charged by the standard energy recovery system
when the car is in motion or directly from a household power socket when
it is parked. This means that in most cases, the car is entirely
emission-free in city driving.
A compact seven-speed S tronic serves as the transmission for the
compact plug-in hybrid. It comprises two transmission structures, which
are operated by two clutches. Gears are alternately shifted by the two
clutches – at lightning speed, comfortably, and without any perceptible
interruption of traction.
The driver can operate the seven-speed S tronic in one automatic
mode and one manual mode, using the paddles on the steering wheel to
shift gears manually. Elegant touch control buttons alongside the
handrest on the center tunnel console are used to select drive positions
R, N and D. These are backlit in red when it gets dark. Drive position P
is automatically engaged when the electric parking brake is applied.
The launch control system manages the sprint from a dead stop,
furnishing explosive turbo power with minimal tire slip.
Chassis
Derived from the current RS 3 Sportback, the Audi A3 e-tron
concept’s chassis is fully capable of handling the power from the drive
system at all times. The four-seater masters any type of curve with
speed, stability and composure. Its self-steering response remains
essentially neutral all the way up to the lofty handling limits.
The front suspension – a MacPherson construction with a separate
axle support – has a track measuring a full 1,572 millimeters (61.89
in). The rack-and-pinion steering is extremely efficient because its
electromechanical drive system requires no energy when driving straight
ahead.
The four-link rear suspension with its 1,542-millimeter (60.71-in)
track is likewise fixed to a subframe. Its control arms made of
high-strength steel enable the suspension to absorb longitudinal and
lateral forces separately. The shock absorbers and coil springs are
mounted separately from each other.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system gives the driver five
modes from which to select the characteristics of the engine, power
steering and seven-speed S tronic. The modes are comfort, auto, dynamic,
individual and efficiency, the last of which is designed for maximum
economy.
The imposing light-alloy rims measure 20 inches in diameter. The
tire format is 245/30 at the front and rear. The front brake disks are
gripped by four-piston calipers. The ESP stabilization system has a
Sport mode and can be completely deactivated. The parking brake is
actuated electromechanically.
The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the
model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors
and omissions excepted. 
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