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Sphere, the fourth: With the Audi activesphere concept, the brand with the four rings is completing its quartet of Sphere concept vehicles. After the Audi skysphere 2021 roadster, the Audi grandsphere 2021 sedan and the Audi urbansphere space concept in April 2022, a four-door crossover coupé with an amazingly versatile body design is now making its debut. Because the 4,98 meter long, extremely elegant automobile is not only a luxury class sports car, whose ground clearance and large 22-inch wheels also indicate talent for off-road use. The Sportback rear of the activesphere can be converted into an open loading area (“Activeback”) at the touch of a button – perfect for taking along leisure equipment such as e-bikes or water and winter sports equipment.
Audi activesphere concept
The Audi activesphere concept unites opposites in a perfect synthesis – it proves to be a versatile border crosser. The drive and chassis make it the ideal on- and off-roader in equal measure. It can be actively moved with the steering wheel and pedals and, if required, offers the option of an automated and relaxed experience on the road. As a coupé that is as elegant as it is dynamic, it displays classic proportions and lines. And converts in a few seconds into a pickup for transporting top-class sports equipment - there is even space for two e-bikes on the loading area.
The concept vehicle was conceived and designed in the Audi Design Studio in Malibu, just a stone's throw away from the legendary Pacific Coast Highway. Studio director Gael Buzyn and his team are responsible: “The activesphere is unique. It represents a new form of crossover that cleverly combines the elegance of an Audi Sportback, the versatility of an SUV and genuine off-road capabilities.” With an electric drive and quick-charging technology from Audi’s PPE modular system, the Audi activesphere is one of the best the family of Sphere concept vehicles. Without local emissions, but with a range of more than 600 km and – thanks to 800-volt technology – extremely short charging times, it combines the sustainability of the electric drive with the dynamics and long-distance suitability of state-of-the-art electrically powered automobiles.
Oliver Hoffmann, Board Member for Technical Development: “The Sphere concept vehicles show our vision of tomorrow's premium mobility. We are experiencing a paradigm shift above all in the interior of our future Audi models. The interior becomes a place where passengers can feel at home and at the same time connect with the world outside. The most important technical innovation in the Audi activesphere is our adaptation of augmented reality for mobility. Audi dimensions creates the perfect synthesis of environment and digital reality.” The option of being chauffeured automatically on suitable terrain gives drivers and passengers a new level of freedom. In the activesphere, this can be actively used and designed using new display and operating technology. Audi dimensions, the innovative operating concept, combines the physical and virtual world (“mixed reality”) by displaying digital information in the field of vision in real time.
High-tech goggles allow a view of the real environment and the route, and at the same time - which can be individually configured for the driver and passengers - superimposes information and interaction elements that appear vividly into the field of vision. This means that all driver-relevant data - such as driving conditions and navigation - can be imported. And in the interior, the glasses user sees control panels and other virtual displays that remain hidden from the naked eye in the tidy, reduced design. Even the precise interaction with these actually existing but invisible touch-sensitive zones can be controlled using mixed reality optics: Because the glasses show functions and their execution reactively and in real time when touched by the hand.
As a perfect all-rounder, the Audi activesphere concept qualifies for the high demands of a future-oriented generation of Audi customers. People for whom individual mobility and sustainability are not opposites. And who expect the highest level of brand-typical aesthetics and dynamism from their Audi in conjunction with future-oriented technology. For them, the Audi activesphere concept becomes a fascinating vision of crossing the line between these dimensions.
Robust elegance – the exterior design
Its dimensions classify the Audi activesphere concept as a representative of the upper segment – 4,98 meters long, 2,07 meters wide and 1,60 meters high. The wheelbase is – typical for e-cars – ample at 2,97 meters and gives the passengers maximum legroom in the interior. The front and rear overhang are correspondingly short and emphasize a much more compact impression than the mere numbers indicate. From all perspectives, the Audi activesphere concept appears monolithic, as if cast from one piece. Large 22-inch wheels and the striking ground clearance, a flat cabin typical of Audi and the dynamic roof arch determine the significantly sporty proportions. The tires in the 285/55 format are voluminous for off-road use and underline the talent of the activesphere for off-road use with their contoured profile.
The wheels contain moveable segments: they open for optimal ventilation when used off-road and close for optimal aerodynamics when on-road. The camera mirrors on the two front doors, which are as elegant as they are filigree, are also consistently designed for minimal air resistance. The absence of hard edges ensures smooth transitions between convex and concave surfaces in the body, and soft shadow gradients. The rear wheel arches are particularly horizontal when viewed from the side and rear – they visualize the dynamic potential of the concept vehicle.
Glass surfaces make up a significant part of the vehicle body – and by no means only at head height. In the front area of the activesphere, the brand face, the single frame, is designed as transparent glazing, which allows the passengers an unobstructed view of the road through the wide, open front area. On the sides, too, in the lower segments of the doors, there are glass surfaces drawn inwards, which virtually eliminate the separation of nature and the interior when the activesphere is in off-road mode. The wide, curved tailgate is also equipped with large areas of glazing to ensure optimal incidence of light. And even the roof is transparent, allowing plenty of daylight into the interior.
The exterior look specifically signals off-road capability and, with voluminous wheel arches, visualizes the variable, electronically controlled quattro all-wheel drive. The ground clearance of the Audi activesphere is also variable – it can be increased by 208 millimeters from the basic level of 40 millimeters – ideal for off-road use – or lowered by the same amount on-road. The center of gravity and aerodynamics benefit equally from this when driving on the road at high speed. The front approach angle of the Audi activesphere is 18,9 degrees, the rear 28,1 degrees.
The variable ground clearance points to an Audi model family that has found an enthusiastic and loyal fan community in the C and later also the B segment since the year 2000 - the Audi allroad. Here, too, there has been an air-sprung chassis with variable ground clearance since the first generation, and a visually distinct floor assembly with underride protection elements as a significant design feature. Equally significant for all allroad: That is the Avant package. With the activesphere, for the first time an automobile with a Sportback hatchback adopts the design elements and technical equipment of an allroad. Audi therefore calls the new body variant “active sportback” to distinguish it from the allroad.
Another new variation on the allroad theme: the Audi activesphere concept has dark, high-gloss painted surfaces (color: "Arctic Teal") and matt surfaces at the front and rear as well as below the doors in the side area, which set the floor assembly and cabin apart from each other. Integrated here are metal strips with vertical studs that are slightly offset and arranged in parallel. These elements become detached from each other when the ground clearance is increased, thus also visualizing the off-road mode. As with the relative Audi grandsphere concept, the doors of the Audi activesphere are opposed, hinged at the front and rear on the A and C pillars; there is no B-pillar here either. The entire volume of the interior opens up to the passengers as soon as they get in.
Narrow, like focused eyes, the headlight units appear on the right and left above the single frame. The lighting units quote the brand logo of the four rings: Because they enlarge and isolate the intersection of two rings to form a pupil - a new, unmistakable digital light signature that Audi presented for the first time in the Audi grandsphere: the Audi eye. With the activesphere, this signature is now even varied - on-road and off-road driving modes each have their own variant. Daytime running lights and rear lights use ultra-fine micro-LED technology for even more precision and contrast.
Sportback and active back – variable rear architecture
The Audi activesphere concept proves to be a border crosser, and that also means: as a quick-change artist. Because its rear section in particular takes account of the active lifestyle of its customers and makes it possible to take even large-format sports equipment with you - without sacrificing the elegance and sportiness of the Sportback silhouette. If necessary, the transparent rear window slides almost flush over the roof of the Audi activesphere. At the same time, the lower, vertical segment of the rear folds horizontally. This opens up a respectable loading area in which brackets are already embedded, for example for e-bike wheels - the active back.
The side surfaces of the rear – the C-pillars – remain in position and maintain the dynamic silhouette of the activesphere. A partition behind the rear seats protects the cabin from wind and weather. A holder for transporting skis is integrated in the middle of the roof construction – flush and sunk into the roof arch so that it is practically invisible. If necessary, this bracket extends and can be used to attach and safely transport the sports equipment.
Inside before outside – focus on people
"Sphere" sets the signal: The common name component of the concept vehicles Audi skysphere, grandsphere, urbansphere and now also activesphere refers to the interior. Kilowatts and km/h or lateral acceleration are no longer at the top of the specification for this new generation of automobiles. The starting point is the interior, the sphere of life and experience of the passengers on the road. Their needs and desires shape the space, the architecture and the functions. With this revaluation, the design process itself also changes. At the beginning of all discussions, the focus is on the interior and its design. Only then are the package, proportions and exterior lines designed.
Functional and reduced - the interior
An image of extreme clarity and tidiness – this impression greets the passenger who approaches the interior of the Audi activesphere through the wide open doors. Vertical and horizontal surfaces dominate the architecture of the room, as do right angles. Horizontally, the zones of the interior are colour-contrasted. In the center: Seat surfaces and the paneling of the doors and front area in warm lava red, also when looking through the side windows in a targeted contrast to the dark exterior. Dark colors also dominate above and below this central zone – black, anthracite and dark grey.
The four individual seats themselves are suspended like cantilevers in the high, continuous center console. The upper end of the inner side part of the seat shell is shaped horizontally as an armrest and rests on the center console. The designers designed the seat, back and shoulders as three separate, surrounding shells, which already promise good lateral support from a visual point of view. At the same time, they appear to be floating and maintain the balance between automotive functionality and the elegance of a lounge chair. When the Audi activesphere concept is driving in automated mode, the dashboard, steering wheel and pedals are invisibly lowered. Especially in the first row of seats, a wide space opens up in front of the driver, which extends to the front end of the activesphere - and beyond. Clearly in view: the fully glazed Singleframe, through which the passengers have an unobstructed view of the road in front of the vehicle.
The dashboard, with its wooden slats, functions as an oversized soundbar as well as a smart, full-width vent (in both the extended and retracted positions). If the driver wants to take the wheel himself, the dashboard, which is flush with the windscreen, swivels backwards with the steering wheel – the ergonomically ideal position can be individually adjusted for each driver. The controls of the MMI touchless in the doors are always accessible to the eye and hand, for example to control window and seat settings.
The architecture and sense of space in the Audi activesphere are determined by the high, continuous center console. Of course, it is no longer needed in the e-car to accommodate a cardan shaft, but offers space for shelves and an on-board bar - cooled or heated. The top cover is transparent - this not only gives a clear view of the bottle and glasses, but also visually integrates the voluminous console into the interior. There is also a console in the roof, directly above the central console and reflecting its dimensions, in which the four AR glasses of the mixed reality system are stored within easy reach for all passengers.
Audi dimensions – between the worlds
Crossing borders is the strength of the Audi activesphere concept - this also applies to the interface between the car, the user and the environment. Because for the first time, the new system connects physical reality and the digital sphere flush to form a new world: Audi dimensions is the name of the technology. At the heart of the new system are innovative mixed reality glasses – individually available for each driver/passenger at their seat in the car. A comprehensive digital ecosystem is also available to users during their stay in the Audi activesphere.
In the early days, VR glasses were limited to displaying an artificial, "virtual" reality without involving the real world. Later, however, the technology evolved into “augmented reality”, in which the real world is overlaid with virtual content. Mixed reality - and this is the next step - is now able to display virtual content in three dimensions with a spatial relationship to the real world. There is no question: Mixed reality will raise the possibilities of AR head-up displays to a new level in terms of flexibility, precision and displayable content.
In concrete terms, mixed reality means: In the Audi activesphere concept, a forward-looking generation of this technology is used for the first time, which expands augmented reality with the dimension of interaction. With a level of optical precision that has not been achieved so far, the highest resolution and excellent contrast, the system can bring operating surfaces and displays into the user's field of vision behind the steering wheel that the unaided eye would not see. The user sees virtual details that initially only serve as information. If the user focuses on these elements with his eyes and thus signals interest to the system, more detailed content is built up - as with a manual click that opens a submenu. In summary: The active state of an interaction element is reached as soon as the user focuses and interacts via gestures.
The hand then intuitively follows the gaze and controls vehicle functions - and the "user interface" - the virtual display in the glasses - reacts to changes in real time like a conventional operating instrument. Particularly user-friendly: The virtual control element moves towards the user so that he can comfortably interact with the user interface regardless of his seating position. Unlike an analog, physical control element - a keyboard, a knob - he does not have to bend over or stretch his arms. Another advantage: the tidy and spacious interior design of the Audi activesphere no longer has to be subordinate to the function of keyboards and dial batteries, as was always the case in classic automobile cockpits.
Only when the user needs an element does he see it and can operate it just as intuitively as in the analogue world. Important: The vehicle represents a departure from the traditional operating concept with displays and physical controls. Instead, the controls appear floating in front of the functional elements they belong to. Just two examples: The controller for the air conditioning appears in front of the air vent, the interactive entertainment and sound panel above the loudspeaker. However, this is by no means the end of the technology's possibilities. In off-road mode, for example, high-resolution 3D topography graphics can be projected onto the real landscape and navigation tips and information on the destination area can be displayed. Traffic safety data – warnings of traffic jams or slippery roads – can also be used here.
Depending on their needs and task, passengers and drivers receive very individual feeds in their respective mixed reality glasses. Because while the latter – actively behind the wheel and with information about speed and route – concentrates on steering, his co-drivers can already research and even prepare activities at the destination. And yet everyone can control the temperature and air supply for their seating area with the air conditioning at the same time, and browse through the music track selection of the individually usable sound system.
Since the glasses are designed precisely for the geometry of the activesphere interior, they can even project fictitious index cards onto the center console for the user, which visualize access to web content. With the sensors of the mixed reality glasses measuring the interior with millimeter precision, virtual content can be displayed according to personal needs and used for individual interaction.
Unlimited usability
Even outside of the activesphere interior, the networking of glasses users and automobiles, including the ecosystem, is full of possibilities. Today, for example, navigation routes or vehicle maintenance can be prepared using a laptop or tablet computer from the living room. In the future, this will be possible using mixed reality technology and glasses as the only hardware required. Conversely, the activesphere passenger can take his glasses with him from the car to the ski slope in order to be shown the navigation on the bike trail or the ideal line on the ski descent. Information about the car itself, the battery range and the nearest charging stations can also be called up both inside and outside the vehicle. And if necessary, warnings such as low tire pressure can be used in advance, as well as the weather report as a criterion for route selection.
PPE – tailor-made drive technology
Due to its dimensions and performance level, the Audi activesphere concept is ideal for using Audi's currently most innovative electric drive system - the Premium Platform Electric, or PPE for short. Like the related concept vehicles Audi grandsphere and Audi urbansphere, the activesphere concept can fall back on this modular system for series production. It is being developed under the aegis of Audi together with Porsche AG - the first Audi production vehicles based on PPE will be presented successively in 2023. The PPE is designed exclusively for battery-electric drive and can therefore fully exploit all the advantages of this technology - both in favor of driving characteristics and economy as well as the package.
As a result, the range of e-cars in the brand portfolio can be expanded particularly effectively - via the high-volume B and C segments. With scaling effects, upper-class technology and a wide range of model variants can also be incorporated into a wide range of models that is unparalleled in the premium competition. The PPE is designed for the first time to enable an unprecedented range of high-volume automobiles: The range includes SUVs and CUVs with high floors as well as automobiles with a flat silhouette, which are part of the core segment of the Audi range - such as the Audi A6 Series whose external dimensions and wheelbase are almost identical to the Audi activesphere concept.
The central component of the future PPE fleet is a battery module between the axles, which provides around 100 kWh of energy in the Audi activesphere concept. The use of the entire vehicle width between the axles makes a relatively flat layout possible for the battery. One electric motor each on the front and rear axles of the all-wheel drive Audi activesphere concept mobilize a total output of 325 kW and a torque of 720 Newton meters. Front and rear wheels are each connected via a five-link axle. The Audi adaptive air suspension, an air suspension system with adaptive dampers, is used in the concept vehicle.
Charge quickly with 800 volts
The heart of the drive technology of all future PPE models will be the 800-volt charging technology. As with the Audi e-tron GT quattro1, this ensures that the battery can be charged in the shortest possible time with an output of up to 270 kW at fast charging stations. With the PPE, this revolutionary technology will be making its way into the volume segments of the middle and upper classes for the first time.
The PPE technology allows charging times that are similar to a classic refueling stop in combustion engine-powered automobiles. Just 10 minutes are enough to take enough drive energy on board for a distance of more than 300 kilometers. And in less than 25 minutes, the charge level of the 100 kWh battery can be increased from 5 to 80 percent. With a range of well over 600 kilometers, the Audi activesphere is uncompromisingly suitable for long-distance trips.
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The Audi activesphere concept!
Photo credit: Audi
