 Is it a convertible, an off-roader, a pick up, or a fun car? Actually, its
all four at once - the new generation Audi concept car called the Al2openendOn display for the first
time at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Al2openend is the next generation of the Al2 design study which first previewed at the
Frankfurt Motor Show. While the pioneer idea emphasised transparency and celestial light
in its design, the Al2openend is grounded in reality.
The four-seater Al2openend is based on the plateau concept of the Audi Al2, sharing the same overall
dimensions, but with two doors and a more stretched overall appearance resulting from the
flatter forward-pointing C-post. The fully retractable side windows and elimination of the
B-post turn the car into a virtual convertible.
The Al2openend has a 1.4 litre, 4 cylinder, 16-valve engine developing 74 kW (100 bhp) and
is capable of top speeds of up to 190 km/h.
 The vehicle is not only compact, but also ultra light due to its aluminium
body. The Audi Space Frame (ASF) reduces the weight of the vehicle to 790 kilograms, a
third less than the comparable weight of a steel body. This design feature encourages
greater fuel economy and dynamic performance, allowing the Al2openend to
accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in just nine seconds.
Measuring 3.76 metres from nose to tail, the ground clearance from
the Al2 has been increased four centimetres to 16 cm, increasing the Al2openend's application as an
all-purpose vehicle.
The blue, translucent fabric soft top with plastic rear window can
be rolled up forwards electrically at the push of a button and moves seamlessly into a
narrow, concealed recess above the windscreen.
There is a detachable support element with third brake light between
the rear light clusters allowing the load area to be increased still further. The tailgate
retracts into the bumper by remote control, leaving a brushed-aluminium load platform 160
cm long and 95 cm wide.
The uncomplicated sturdiness of the load area is offset with various
high-technology interior features also seen in the Al2. Activated by photo-electric
sensors, the glove box glides out smoothly, the ashtray opens as if by an unseen hand and
the must-have mobile phone compartment opens touch-free. What more could you possibly want
in the car of the future!
A multi-functional steering wheel allows the driver to operate the
audio, navigation and telephone system and the air conditioner without moving his/her
hands away from the steering wheel. Whenever the car is unlocked at night via the radio
remote control, (and for approximately 20 seconds after it has been locked) the interior
lights, headlights and rear lights come on to help passengers navigate in the dark.
The Al2openend even invites encounters with dust and
dirt - built with tough, washable materials which are easily cleaned and aren't spoiled by
the odd shower of rain.
The Al2openend shares the same impressive array of
safety features as the AI2, starting with the high-strength frame structure that acts as a
kind of protective cage. In the event of a collision, the plateau concept and the high
energyabsorbing capacity of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) with its crash elements prove
highly beneficial.
Additional to the two front airbags for the driver and front
passenger, there are two more airbags integrated into the seats to protect the ribs and
pelvis. A single head airbag on either side, located in the roof posts, provides
protection for both the front and the rear passengers.
Audi Al2openend technical data
Engine
- Four-cylinder inline, spark-ignition, two camshafts (DOHC)
Light-alloy engine block, hydraulic bucket tappets. Four valves per cylinder Displacement:
1390 cc
- Sequential multipoint fuel injection system
- Emission control Catalytic converter, heated oxygen sensor;complies
with 94/12/EC, (Euro Ill-D)
- Max. power output in kW (bhp) 74 (100) / 6000
- Max. torque 128Nm @ 4400rpm
Driveline / transmission
- Transverse-engine, front-wheel drive, Hydraulically operated single
dry-plate clutch with asbestos-free lining. 5-speed manual gearbox, all-synchromesh.
Running gear / steering / brakes
- Front suspension: McPherson strut in aluminium
- Rear suspension: Torsion-beam
- Steering: Maintenance-free rack and pinion with electro-hydraulic
power assistance.
- Brake system, front/rear: Disc brakes, aluminium brake callipers,
diagonally split dual circuits with ABS/EDL; Electronic Brake-Force Distribution EBD
Wheels - tyres
Performance / consumption
- Top speed in kmh. Approx. 190
- Acceleration 0-100 kmh in approx. 9 secondss
- Fuel grade: Super unleaded, 95 RON
- Consumption of basic version: approx 5.9 L/100 km
Dimensions
- Length (Ll03) 3765mm
- Width excl. mirrors (Wl03) 1620mm
- Height (H 100) 1520mm
- Wheelbase (L l01) 2406mm
- Track, front: 1430
- Track,rear (W I01/W I02) 1426 mm
Weight
- Unladen weight (with basic specification): 790kg
- Payload: 425kg
Body
- Aluminium: AudiSpace Frame ASF
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