This concept car that looks like an explorer vehicle features a preview of some of the design changes that Audi is considering for its future SUV models. AI: TRAIL is the fourth member of the Audi AI concept series that starts with Aicon 2017.
This new Audi concept is equipped with four electric motors or one for each wheel which overall produces 429 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque. There is no differential and key because the powertrain controls each motor according to driving conditions.
Audi has not revealed information about the capacity of the batteries used, but said that the range of distances between 400 to 500 km on paved roads or 250 km on extreme road conditions. Its highest speed is limited to 130 km / hour.
Of course the highlight of the concept is not the hardware hidden underneath, but the choices made for the bodywork. Audi chose the helicopter-style visibility by offering clear outside views from various sides and barrier free. Transparent panels on the front and sides allow this to be achieved, as does the roof which is made almost entirely of glass.
To provide maximum visibility, the dashbord is made free from the screen and the driver can use a smartphone mounted on the steering wheel as a display of the central control function and vehicle navigation system. The no-screen policy inside AI: Trail allows Audi to give it a lower dashboard and further enhance outside visibility.
This concept has the same dimensions as the Audi Q3, which is 4.15 meters long and 2.15 meters wide. Ground clearance is set at a height of 34 cm, which can easily traverse waters more than half a meter deep.
The unique feature of the Audi AI: TRAIL is that it does not feature traditional headlamps, but instead uses five drones without rotors equipped with LED matrix elements. Drivers can make them lean on the roof rack or let them fly in front of the vehicle to light the road. The drone also has a camera feature that can transmit images to the smartphone screen mounted in front of the driver.