The Tokyo Show isn't all about Japanese cars. As proof, Audi is poised to release the Metroproject Quattro concept, a plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid four-seater designed to make life difficult for the Mini Cooper. The Audi features a 1.4-liter turbocharged direct-injection (TFSI) four-cylinder engine producing 148 horsepower and returning about 48 mpg. The kicker is a 30kW electric motor positioned between the rear wheels (which, in a truly inspired touch, is visible through a window in the rear load floor) that provides extra oomph (and all-wheel drive) under full throttle, or drives the car exclusively at lower speeds. The car's lithium-ion batteries, which can be charged from a standard household outlet, will keep the Metroproject moving for about 60 miles. The little concept also features the magnetic ride dampers from the R8 and TT, so enthusiasts should be as pleased as environmentalists. Look for a 0-60-mph sprint in about 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 125 mph.
The Metroproject also features another interesting concept — a suspiciously iPhone-like handheld unit called the Audi Mobile Device (catchy, eh?) that plugs into a slot on the center console. It's a phone, an entertainment center, a remote vehicle-systems manager, a navigation-system interface, and a LoJack, all in one. We're not sure if the AMD has a future, but we're feeling pretty sure the Metroproject concept does.
Many more photos after the break, courtesy of Audi.
Via Motor Authority.
