Audi's Edgy Urbansphere Concept
Autonomous Cyber Lounge for Commuting
EV, Self-driving, Futuristic and More
For most, Audi is at the very top of the list as a global leader in automotive innovation and its latest new concept car served to validate it. The Audi Urbansphere breaks the automotive mold as an all-electric, autonomous vehicle that offers luxury, lifestyle, cyber-lounging and more to commute-weary travelers. It has more cabin space than any Audi before. And it is the third in a series of stunning and visionary Audi Sphere concepts for the future of urban mobility.
Audi Spheres
The Urbansphere is a six-seat EV designed to be a mobile office, living space or cyber lounge for big city commuters to start enjoying, utilizing and profiting from their time in traffic jams. It is basically a very technologically advanced, electric, self-driving, luxurious, big minivan. The two previous Sphere concepts are the Skysphere, which is a 2-seat roadster with a variable wheelbase that converts from a grand tourer to a sports car and the Grandsphere, which is a 4-seat sedan.
Specifics and Features
The Urbansphere is big at 216.9 inches long and 79.1 inches wide. In the exterior front of the EV, there is a huge display that communicates to those around it the car's actions such as accelerating or turning. It also communicates in color symbols warnings to pedestrians and other cars. When the display is not in communication mode, it complements the Audi front grill. They are also smaller displays in the rear of the vehicle forming the taillights. The interior of the EV is huge with special attention paid to the seating, which includes sliding and reclining bucket seats with integrated personal sound speakers.
Infotainment Displays
The infotainment and connected technology for passengers is fascinating. There is a large transparent OLED screen that hangs from the ceiling, smaller OLED displays integrated into the front seats and VR glasses in pockets on the doors. The technologies allow for endless hours of infotainment, shopping, researching and working remotely. All customized for the passengers to enjoy their journey.
All Electric Technologies
The vehicle is built on the PPE or Premium Platform Electric jointly developed by Audi and Porsche, both owned by VW. The Urbansphere is powered by dual electric engines that divide 396 hp and 509 pound-feet of torque between the two axles. There is a massive, 120-kilowatt, 800-volt battery, occupying most of the base of the vehicle. The range on a charge is 466 miles and recharging time is a fast turnaround of 186 miles in 10 minutes and a full recharge in just 25 minutes.
Autonomous, Level 4 Self-Driving
The Urbansphere is designed specifically for autonomous driving in order to enable the occupants to take advantage of remotely working or being informed or entertained during the ride. It will be equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving technology and with a retractable steering wheel and pedals that can be brought back out if a human driver wants to take over the wheel and drive. Audi says the EV can pilot itself, park, pickup and deliver passengers and charge itself. They add many of the new technologies in Urbansphere, particularly the autonomous tech, will be introduced into new Audi vehicles during the second half of this decade. The Urbansphere is getting a great deal of automotive attention. No word if or when Audi might put this fascinating concept into production and for sale for consumers to enjoy the ride. For more news stories like this, go to Future Modes of Travel: 2020's & 2030's
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