Audi is utilizing the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show to exhibit its Metroproject Quattro Concept, a sporty two-door, four-passenger hatchback.
This vehicle is designed to reduce our ecological footprints, starting with its short 3.91-meter (159.3-inch) length. Aluminum arches nearly span the 2.45-meter (96.5-inch) wheelbase, connecting the A and C pillars over frameless windows sans B-pillar. Efficient LEDs are reflected in the headlights to create a unified beam of white colour, while sharp taillights 'round' out the rear of the car.
Within the gaping grille sits an Audi A3-derived 1.4-litre TFSI engine, rated at 148 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 177 foot-pounds of torque from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. This turbocharged engine powers the front wheels via a semi-automatic S-tronic Direct Shift Gearbox with paddle shifters. Magnetic ride shock absorbers and independent suspension with MacPherson geometry up front compliment the 18-inch wheels to make the most of this front-wheel drive biased platform.
Push the start button and it is possible to drive the Metroproject for 100 kilometres without a drop of fuel, thanks to lithium-ion batteries and a very light touch on the throttle. Following the new trend in gas-electric vehicles, the Metroproject can be plugged in to recharge its batteries. In "efficiency" mode, the car better utilizes its batteries, and can even prepare for elevation changes via the navigation system. The Metroproject will also remind drivers to turn off the air conditioner and close the windows in this mode - think summer sauna.
With high electricity costs (and equally high fuel costs) in Germany, maximum possible financial savings top 70% using this plug-in technology. The batteries can also be recharged on-the-go by brake energy regeneration. When needed though, the front brake discs span a healthy 31.2 centimetres (12.2 inches) in diameter.
With combined engine and battery power, the Metroproject emits 112 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre, and burns 4.9 litres of premium gasoline per 100 kilometres--a 16-percent reduction in fuel consumption. The electric motor adds 70 kilograms, 40 horsepower and 147 foot-pounds of torque to the rear wheels. Though technically an all-wheel-drive vehicle, don't expect to pull any drifts like the Audi R8; however, reminiscent to viewing the phenomenal R8's engine, this electric motor can also be seen through a glass panel.
The simplest energy saving feature of the Metroproject is an automatic engine stop and start feature when stopped; from drive-thrus to traffic jams, clusters of consumption and pollution can be converted to seas of peace and clean air by this technology.
This vehicle is designed to reduce our ecological footprints, starting with its short 3.91-meter (159.3-inch) length. Aluminum arches nearly span the 2.45-meter (96.5-inch) wheelbase, connecting the A and C pillars over frameless windows sans B-pillar. Efficient LEDs are reflected in the headlights to create a unified beam of white colour, while sharp taillights 'round' out the rear of the car.
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Within the gaping grille sits an Audi A3-derived 1.4-litre TFSI engine, rated at 148 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 177 foot-pounds of torque from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. This turbocharged engine powers the front wheels via a semi-automatic S-tronic Direct Shift Gearbox with paddle shifters. Magnetic ride shock absorbers and independent suspension with MacPherson geometry up front compliment the 18-inch wheels to make the most of this front-wheel drive biased platform.
Push the start button and it is possible to drive the Metroproject for 100 kilometres without a drop of fuel, thanks to lithium-ion batteries and a very light touch on the throttle. Following the new trend in gas-electric vehicles, the Metroproject can be plugged in to recharge its batteries. In "efficiency" mode, the car better utilizes its batteries, and can even prepare for elevation changes via the navigation system. The Metroproject will also remind drivers to turn off the air conditioner and close the windows in this mode - think summer sauna.
With high electricity costs (and equally high fuel costs) in Germany, maximum possible financial savings top 70% using this plug-in technology. The batteries can also be recharged on-the-go by brake energy regeneration. When needed though, the front brake discs span a healthy 31.2 centimetres (12.2 inches) in diameter.
With combined engine and battery power, the Metroproject emits 112 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre, and burns 4.9 litres of premium gasoline per 100 kilometres--a 16-percent reduction in fuel consumption. The electric motor adds 70 kilograms, 40 horsepower and 147 foot-pounds of torque to the rear wheels. Though technically an all-wheel-drive vehicle, don't expect to pull any drifts like the Audi R8; however, reminiscent to viewing the phenomenal R8's engine, this electric motor can also be seen through a glass panel.
The simplest energy saving feature of the Metroproject is an automatic engine stop and start feature when stopped; from drive-thrus to traffic jams, clusters of consumption and pollution can be converted to seas of peace and clean air by this technology.
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