New Audi Crossover Cabriolet Concept - Crossing Over

"The Cross Cabriolet has several traditional SUV elements," Steve said. " We've added front and rear skidplates, plus running boards on the sides. These have been made from the same tinted aluminum and were integrated into the body. The running boards actually become part of the door sill step-plate that takes you into the car.

More aluminum can be found on the mirror housings. "We have a step between the top of the hood and the belt line that runs the length of the car," Steve explained, "but the twin supports on the mirrors straddle the two sections, connecting them in a harmonious way."

Big Nose
The front end is probably the most dramatic aspect of the concept, with its huge grille and the aforementioned skidplate at the bottom. The grille is no bigger than a regular Audi piece, but the designers detailed its slats before surrounding it with a tinted aluminum frame.

The concept also boasts all-LED lights, from the strip in the brake ducts that serve as foglights, to the head- and tail lights. It also has a strip of daytime running LEDs, similar to the latest Audi's - something the car maker is introducing to give its products another signature element.

Under the hood lies a 3.0 V6 turbo-diesel. With its ultra-low emissions, Audi is heralding it as the cleanest diesel in the world when it arrives in the Q7 this year. In stock trim it delivers 240hp, 370 lb-ft and respectable economy.

The V6 TDI uses a common rail system with piezo injectors operating at 2000bar, along with exhaust gas recirculation and exhaust aftertreatment that's said to cut oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions by up to 90%. It does so by injecting AdBlue carbamide solution ahead of the cat. The solution breaks down into ammonia, splitting the NOx waste into simple nitrogen and water.

It's the lower emissions that make a diesel cabrio more palatable. However, even current diesel emissions standards haven't stopped European car makers from selling thousands of diesel cabrios over the last few years, ever since Audi introduced the world's first with the A4.

The engine's torque is distributed to the AWD system by an eight-speed auto with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

Step Inside
The concept is a four-seater, with individual chairs for each occupant, finished in special whitestone leather and divided by a prominent console running the length of the car. The seats are based on production units but have been resculpted and skinned. Each seat has an "air scarf" system that provides air vents in the headrests to warm the neck area when the roof is down. There's also an intercom system so rear seat occupants don't have to shout to be heard at speed. It uses a microphone in the rear of each front seat, which is heard through speakers in the front seat headrests.

Dark brown ash wood inserts on the dash, doors and center console contrast the white leather. The wood on the glovebox features a graphic said to represent the criss-crossing Los Angeles freeway system.

The white instruments in front of the driver have a ripple pattern on their faces and the numbers are lit white at night. There's also a 4" screen between the dials to show nav guidance or album artwork when accessing the internet radio system.

Working with ERL in San Francisco, the concept was given a Google Earth nav system and internet radio. The latter works in combination with "love" and "hate" buttons. This allows you to reject certain tracks or keep others. The system then learns your musical taste and creates playlists for you. The music is channeled through a B&O sound system that includes multiple speaker locations and a 500W amp.

Another interesting aspect is the cupholders. In this application they can either heat or chill your cup, selected by turning the cup either left or right.