Innovations: From A to Z

The Audi e‑tron quattro concept is full of groundbreaking innovations in numerous fields of technology. This glossary briefly explains them – from A for “Aerodynamics” to Z for “zFAS.”

Aerodynamics
The aerodynamics engineers and exterior designers worked closely together in the wind tunnel to develop the exterior of the Audi e-tron quattro concept. The outstanding drag coefficient of 0.25 is the result of both active aerodynamics and static aerodynamic measures. In this way, Audi has combined a front spoiler, steeply pitched separating edges at the rear and aerodynamically optimized wheels for the first time. Together with the aerodynamically optimized, microstructured floor pan, the study sets new standards for aerodynamic automobiles. The Audi e-tron quattro concept features active components at the side sills and the rear. At speeds from 80 km/h (49.7 mph), they direct the slipstream to improve aerodynamics. The flaps in the sills in front of the rear wheels, the two rear spoilers – on the roof and in the skirt – and the closeable louvers of the thermal management system in the engine hood also contribute to optimizing the aerodynamics.

Drive strategy
Three powerful electric motors make the Audi e-tron quattro concept an e-tron quattro, with one motor installed on the front axle and two on the rear axle. The power of the individual electric motors is optimally distributed for the respective driving situation. Together they produce 320 kW and deliver 800 Nm (590.0 lb-ft) of torque, with an output of 370 kW briefly possible in overboost mode. The two electric motors on the rear axle enable torque vectoring – the active, need-based distribution of power to the wheels.

Audi connect
The term “Audi connect” encompasses the complete package of technologies used by Audi to link its cars to their owners, the Internet, the traffic infrastructure and other cars. Audi is rapidly expanding its range of tailored services and apps.

Audi virtual cockpit curved OLED
The Audi virtual cockpit curved OLED is the further development of the Audi virtual cockpit in the Audi TT, Audi Q7 and Audi R8. It is based on state-of-the-art OLED technology. For the first time ever in the automotive field, a curved, 14‑inch OLED display is being used as an instrument cluster.

Audi Wireless Charging (AWC)
The Audi e-tron is equipped with Audi Wireless Charging technology for contactless induction charging. A charging plate with an integrated spool is placed on the parking space and connected to the mains supply. Using its piloted parking system, the Audi e-tron quattro concept positions iteself over the charging plate with pinpoint accuracy. The charging process then begins automatically. As soon as the battery is fully charged the process stops again. The Audi Wireless Charging technology is over 90% efficient, almost as effective as charging via a cable. The alternating field does not pose any risk to people or animals. It only builds up when a car is positioned above the induction charging plate.

Battery technology
The large battery of the Audi e-tron quattro concept, just like the battery of the Audi R8 e-tron, follows a basic modular concept. It is in principle also suitable for use in other models. Audi is using it for the first time in an SUV. The modular philosophy also means that Audi will always be able to use the best cell technology available on the market, regardless of whether prismatic, pouch or round cells.

CCS
The abbreviation “CCS” stands for combined charging system. Electrified cars with this plug system can be charged with both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Power output is significantly higher when charging with direct current and the charging time correspondingly shorter because the electricity can flow directly into the battery without additional rectification.

Dynamic-all-wheel steering
The dynamic-all-wheel steering, which is already available as an option in the new Audi Q7, combines a dynamic steering system on the front axle with a steering system for the rear wheels. Depending on the speed and driving situation, the rear wheels turn either opposite or in the same direction as the front wheels. This makes the handling of the Audi e-tron quattro concept even more spontaneous and stable, and it is also very maneuverable at low speeds.

Unicycle scooter (MonoWheel)
A storage compartment in the luggage compartment floor contains two electric MonoWheels – fast, nimble unicycles for covering short distances in town that round out the mobility concept perfectly. They can be charged inductively from the car’s electrical system.

e‑tron
e-tron is the abbreviation used by Audi for all production models that can be charged from an external power source and drive significant distances – generally 50 kilometers (31.1 mi) electrically. In the future, Audi will offer one e-tron model in each segment.

e‑tron light signature
The company introduced a uniform light signature as an identifying feature of its e-tron models with the Audi prologue Avant. At the front of the car, multiple narrow, individual OLED luminaries are arranged horizontally staggered one above the other. They produce white daytime running lights in the direction of travel. The embedded OLED elements emit blue light in an upwards direction. They can be controlled in segments, enabling individual lighting scenarios adapted to the respective situation.

Film vents
Air vents for the rear seat area are integrated into the rear of the backrests of the Audi e-tron quattro concept. These use a new technology: Films that can be displaced minimal distances enable draft-free, diffuse ventilation for the rear passengers.

Child monitor
The child monitor in the Audi e-tron quattro concept reacts to optical and acoustic signals. If the child in the back seat wants to talk to the driver, the child’s face appears on the central display on the instrument panel.

Lightway
When the driver approaches the technology study with the remote control key, a band of light in the area of the side sill lights up in welcome. Proximity sensors detect the direction in which the driver is moving, and the carpet of light is dimmed up accordingly. Light and color scenarios can be individually configured.

Matrix laser technology
Matrix laser technology, in which a laser generates the light, debuted in racing. In the future, this will enable the ideal light pattern for practically every situation, such as special lighting for construction zones and similar bottlenecks. In this case, two strips of light about 15 meters (49.2 ft) long are projected onto the road to indicate the vehicle’s width. The light is a big help when driving through construction zones. The driver can follow it as if on rails. This is the first time that Audi has shown Matrix laser technology in an SUV.

MLB evo
The MLB evo is the second-generation modular longitudinal platform for models with longitudinally mounted front engines. It defines a matrix of components – from the chassis to the assistance systems – and also defines the framework for production in the factories. The first model based on the MLB evo that Audi brought to market was the new Audi Q7.

OLED technology
he Audi e-tron quattro concept uses OLED technology on the exterior for the e-tron signature lighting in the form of segmented and individually controlled OLED light units. An OLED (organic light-emitting diode) comprises two electrodes, at least one of which must be transparent. They enclose a layer of an organic semiconducting material that begins to illuminate when a weak direct current is applied to it. The OLED luminaries boast extremely high-contrast images and also consume little electricity.

Piloted driving
In the future, the systems that Audi is developing for piloted driving will be able take over the driving if the driver so desires, for instance in slow-moving traffic. Piloted driving makes driving even safer, more comfortable and more efficient. Featuring a variety of new assistance systems, the new Audi Q7 offers a prestage of piloted driving.

Solar roof
The solar roof of the Audi e-tron quattro concept is 1.98 meters (6.5 ft) long, and thus the world’s largest module installed in an automobile. It achieves the greatest solar output by far in the automotive sector – thanks to the entire roof being covered with solar cells. It feeds electricity to the traction battery whenever the car is parked or driven in the sun. It achieves an output of up to 0.4 kW, enough to extend the range by as much as 1000 kilometers (435.0 mi) per year.

Door handles
Even the door handles of the technology study are a new development. They are sunk into the body of the door to produce a nearly seamless surface, which contributes to the aerodynamics concept. When the driver’s hand approaches, the handles extend electrically.

Virtual exterior mirror
The virtual exterior mirrors – a system comprising two cameras and OLED displays per side in the front section of the doors – replace the conventional exterior mirrors in the Audi e-tron quattro concept. They offer major advantages with respect to aerodynamics and safety by expanding the field of view, particularly in urban traffic or on very winding roads. This is the first time that Audi is showing this technology in a production-relevant SUV.

zFAS
The zFAS (central driver assistance controller) is the “super brain” or also the mastermind for piloted driving as Audi will soon bring to production vehicles. It uses all of the bundled sensor information to very quickly compute a complete model of the car’s surroundings and forwards the information to the systems for piloted driving.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.