Audi today unveils the fourth concept vehicle in its Sphere model series, the Active Sphere Concept designed for active living and propelling the now electronic quattro cog into the future. The Active Sphere Concept therefore follows three other vehicles already presented by the German brand, namely the Sky Sphere, Grand Sphere, and Urban Sphere, this quartet now indicating the manufacturer’s new directions in terms of design and technology.
All are electrically powered and equipped with level 4 autonomous driving, but the Active Sphere Concept is distinguished by its modular body that can transform the vehicle into a luxury coupe or van.
Two electric motors and fast charging
The Active Sphere Concept comes from the new PPE platform (Premium Platform Electric), developed jointly with Porsche. It is a vehicle driven by two electric motors generating a combined output of 436 horsepower and a maximum torque of 531 lb-ft, which are powered by a 100 kWh battery.
Photo: Audi AG
As is the case with the standard models of the brand, the Active Sphere Concept has an electrical system of 800 volts, but this concept allows recharging with a power of 270 kW, which makes it possible to add 300 km of range in just 10 minutes.
The dimensions of the Active Sphere Concept are 4.98 meters in length, 2.70 meters in width, 1.60 meters in height, and its wheelbase is 2.96 meters, which means that its footprint in floor is similar to that of the Concept A6 e-tron unveiled in Shanghai in April 2021. According to Gael Buzyn, director of the Audi Design Loft in Malibu, “The design of the Active Sphere Concept represents a fusion between the elegance of a Sportback-style car with a sloping roofline on the upper part of the vehicle, and the rugged side of off-road capability that is noticeable on its lower part”.
Photo: Audi AG
The Active Sphere Concept rides on 22-inch rims, its adaptive suspension helps raise ground clearance for riding on rough terrain, and its two-piece tailgate, a first for the brand, allows you to load bikes or items. sport. The vehicle is modular, to the point of emulating a van. According to Marc Lichte, head of design, “The Active Sphere Concept allows you to move anywhere in style, adapting to the active life of customers”.
A lounge-style interior with augmented reality
The opposing doors open onto a sleek, lounge-style interior. The steering wheel and pedals can be retracted into the dashboard when the vehicle uses its level 4 autonomous driving system. But the driver can also choose to drive himself.
The Active Sphere Concept also adds the notions of mixed reality and augmented reality. Indeed, information relating to driving, assisted navigation, communication or entertainment can be projected onto the interior surfaces of the passenger compartment, or even projected into a pair of glasses worn by the driver.
Photo: Audi AG
Audi does not intend to design this bezel, but rather to integrate this type of device, which could be designed by Apple, Google or Microsoft, into the electronic ecosystem of the vehicle. In addition, it is possible for the driver to activate various functions using gestures, without having to touch a physical control.
These are absent in the cabin and replaced by virtual commands appearing in strategic places. For example, the virtual controls for the heating/air conditioning system appear near the cabin ventilation nozzles when the driver’s hand approaches them.
With the Active Sphere Concept, Audi is launching a fourth concept vehicle which indicates the orientations of the brand, and of which certain elements are called upon to migrate to possible production models. Of this quartet, note that the Grand Sphere Concept, unveiled at the Munich Motor Show in September 2021, is the one that is closest to series production, in order to replace the current A8 with internal combustion engine by a luxury sedan with electric motorization with advanced technology.