Audi Crosslane Coupe Concept

Audi has pulled the covers off its new Crosslane Coupé concept, a sporty two-door crossover that could go to battle with the Mini Paceman if it ever sees the light of day. As a Q2 perhaps? Built from a combination of lightweight aluminium and carbon-based materials, the concept was designed for trendy urban youngsters looking for something that's both ultra-efficient and fun. It even has a removable roof that allows it to morph into an open-top cruiser. Audi openly admits that the styling of this concept provides a foretaste of what's to come from Audi's Q models. The concept is also a technological showcase that uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain to achieve average fuel consumption of just 1.1 litres per 100km and that's without sacrificing too much in the way of performance. The powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbopetrol engine mated to two electric motors. The smaller of the two produces 50kW/210Nm and acts primarily as a starter and alternator while the bigger unit develops 85kW/250Nm and provides most of the electrical traction. With a system output of 130kW, the little urban mud plugger is credited with an 8.6-second 0-100km/h sprint and a 182km/h top speed. What's more, its CO2 emissions rating of just 26 g/km makes the Prius look like an pollution factory. The interior is as high-tech as the rest of the car and most functions can be carried out by steering wheel controls for the driver's thumbs and the car is always connected to the worldwide web via social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. It can even send out photos and videos recorded on the road.