The new Audi A3 e-tron was unveiled at the at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show. This hybrid car concept can accommodate up to 4 passengers. Compared to its predecessor Audi A3, this hybrid sedan variant features some elements which are produced from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), includes for example front & rear spoiler, side view mirror, rear diffuser and grille frame, whereas the aluminum is used for conceiving other components such as engine hood, doors and tailgate. The total weight of this Audi A3 e-tron variant is influenced by lightweight material usage.
Official press release:
Exterior Design
The Audi A3 e-tron concept 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.
The design features the typical Audi language with the signature single- frame grille that gives the front en 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 car’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: 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, the A3 e-tron concept shows muscular surfaces and a low roof dome with fluid lines flowing into a flat, coupe-like C-pillar and the shoulder area transitioning 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 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.
Interior
The interior of the showcar is generously proportioned thanks to the long wheelbase of 2.63 meters (8.63 ft) – which gives the two rear passengers on a large knee room.
The impression of lightness and airiness is underlined by the horizontal lines. The instrument panel draws the driver in – typical of Audi and has a large trim strip is made of solid aluminum that 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.
The infotainment system offers an UMTS access to the Internet, a WLAN hotspot, and holders for iPads installed on the back of the front seat backrests. The luggage compartment has a volume of 410 liters (14.48 cubic ft) and a low loading lip.
