AUDI re-invents to Avant Prologue especially for Geneva, and it looks stunning - BUILD IT.

Five-door prologue Avant concept builds on future brand design foundations laid by the prologue coupé concept

• New interpretation of Audi Avant philosophy
• Groundbreaking infotainment architecture and entertainment concept
• High-performance hybrid drive with 455 PS and 750 Nm (553.2 lb-ft) of torque

A design with dynamic elegance and the latest high end technologies: Audi is presenting the new prologue Avant show car at the Geneva Motor Show, which gives another glimpse into the future of Audi design just four months after the premium manufacturer showed its visionary Audi prologue coupé concept at the LA Auto Show.

The Audi prologue Avant combines dynamics, form and function in a perfect synthesis. It brings progressive technology, lightweight construction and permanent all-wheel drive quattro together. The large five-door car with its stretched roof and extremely flat D-pillars combines power and flowing elegance, and its design reflects these Audi quattro genes.

At a glance, the new show car can be recognised to be an Audi – with its athletic build, taut surfaces and sharp edges. The Audi prologue Avant picks up on the tradition of the extraordinary design and space concepts, for example, of the proto Avant from 1982, and re-interprets this design. With a length of 5.11 metres, a wheelbase of 3.04 metres, a width of 1.97 metres and a height of 1.4 metres, the Audi prologue Avant is a little larger than the two-door coupé Audi prologue. Four individual seats, four doors and a large tailgate round off the concept.

“With our show car for Geneva, we now translate the design language of the Audi prologue into a new, dynamic and stretched form. We are merging it with a concept of high variability,” says Board Member for Technical Development, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg. “The Audi prologue Avant is progressive, emotion-filled and versatile, it reflects Audi’s technological competence and quality claim perfectly.”

Wide and flat: the front

The Singleframe grille organically integrated into the car body dominates the show car’s low front. It is positioned lower and is designed much wider than in current production models. Its cross ribs made from brushed aluminium present a new variant of the e-tron look, providing a closed visual appearance. 

Towards the sides, they are slightly bent and forked.

The headlamps underline the character of the show car – lightweight, dynamic and elegant. Shaped like wide, flat wedges, the headlamps are located with their tips above the Singleframe. They present the high-resolution Matrix Laser technology – the latest light innovation by Audi opens up new opportunities in design and technology. The light is decomposed into a high number of tiny pixels, resulting in virtually unlimited distribution possibilities.

The upper and side edges of the characteristic air inlets are accentuated using additional light guides which in combination with daytime driving light give the Audi prologue Avant a new light signature.

Strong flow: the side view

The side view of the show car conveys an athletic effect, conveyed by extremely flat D-pillars. Its proportions emphasise the front and the rear wheel alike – and give an indication of the Audi quattro genes.

The wide, folded-out shoulders above the four wheels are inspired by the “blisters” of the Audi proto quattro dating back to the eighties. However, they were not just added on top with separate contours but have been smoothly integrated into the architecture. The shoulders swing smoothly over the wheels. The front shoulder carries on the edge of the bonnet, thus making it appear even longer. The long rear door emphasises the luxury class character of the show car.

The wheel houses are strongly vaulting out and carry wide wheel mirrors, thus visually reducing the metal volume of the flanks. They surround the mighty 22-inch wheels carrying size 285/30 tyres. Their five arms with the edged, sharp-angled spokes present a further development of today’s rotor design.

The dark blue paintcoat in fusion blue underlines the elegance of the show car in a subtle way. 

The outside rear-view mirrors are small sculptures made from aluminium, the window channel strips unostentatiously integrate the sensor surfaces towards the door opening. As soon as the driver touches the illuminated surfaces, electric motors will open the handle-less doors.

A frame made from polished and matt aluminium surrounds the side windows. The rear wings of the show car accommodate the charge socket for electric charging on the left side, the fuel filler flap for diesel fuel on the right side. By the press of a button in the interior, the cover flaps will open electrically, retracting into the body.

Dynamic: the rear

The flowing rear moving in strongly on the side is one of the most attractive views of the show car. The flatly arranged D-pillars sweep elegantly into the rear body shoulder which forms the edge of the luggage compartment lid and surrounds the entire rear section. The rear section itself is leaning forward in the direction of travel like a yacht – pushing off the car before it even starts moving.

The rear lamp strip runs across the full width of the car, thus combining the LED rear lamps. 

They consist of 3D glass which has a sculptural effect. At their bottom end, the rear light draws a wavy contour. Deep inside the lamps lies the brake light – when it becomes active, it appears to approach the viewer. The different design levels and the change between two-dimensional and three-dimensional effects give the rear lamps an entirely new dynamic.

As a logical continuation of the side sills, a distinctive apron completes the rear section towards the bottom. On either side it integrates flat horizontally split openings with a wedge-shaped cut. The exhaust gas of the TDI engine comes out through the upper openings, and the struts immediately below are evocative of the Singleframe grille – this solution symbolises the e-tron concept of the show car: combustion engine and electric motor in one car.

“With the Audi prologue, the prototype meter of our new design language, we have clearly pointed the way in aesthetics. Now we are going one step further by presenting a concept which combines aesthetics, dynamics and function in a fascinating way,” describes Marc Lichte, Head of Design at Audi. “The progressive body design expresses our technological competence and reveals the values which render our brand unique: sportiness, high-quality, progressiveness.”

Elegant experience: the interior

The luxurious interior is kept in dark shades. Here as well, the show car offers a new experience: The straight-lined architecture forms one whole with its display and control concept. 

The consistent front of the dashboard is composed of three touch displays. Moreover, the driver and up to three passengers can establish a digital communication via two OLED-displays made from organic LEDs. The extremely slim, detachable OLED displays in the rear – a spin-off of the Audi tablet from the new Audi Q7 – provide passengers with on-demand information and entertainment.

The spacious interior of the Audi prologue Avant has the character of a luxurious lounge. 

Sinewy taut, calmly flowing lines and slender geometric bodies convey a feeling of expanse, lightness and tranquility. The long centre console with its pass-through also appears to hover, as do the slender front seats, whose rails are mounted on the tunnel and side sills.

The instrument panel stretches horizontally from one side to the other, thus creating a wide impression in the interior. It lowers itself towards the driver and the co-driver on two levels. The upper level, like a roof, lies over the Audi virtual cockpit future and the wide air vents. It forms part of the wrap‑around encompassing the interior and luggage compartment like a horizon.

Both rear passengers can enjoy individual seats with a spacious ambience.

All of the interior details demonstrate Audi’s high-quality design and uncompromising claim. A perforated trim panel covers the air vent; it moves down as soon as the air conditioning is set higher. The newly designed flat shift‑by‑wire selector lever for the eight-speed tiptronic is smoothly integrated in the centre console.

Three-part display: the instrument panel

The elegant design architecture of the Audi prologue Avant show car blends in with a game-changing, new display and control concept enabling digital interaction between the driver and his passengers. Across its full width, the front of the dashboard is designed as a display surface which integrates three touch displays.

Large aluminium frames surround the two driver-faced displays left and right of the steering wheel. The left one serves to control the assist functions, the right one is for multimedia management.

The front passenger faces a widescreen display that is integrated into the full surface of the instrument panel; it is used to configure entertainment features individually and conveniently. 

With a wiping movement, the front passenger can send media content such as music playlists to the right driver display or navigation data to the Audi virtual cockpit behind the steering wheel.

On the console of the centre tunnel, there is another display for text entry, air conditioning and infotainment designed for the driver. It consists primarily of an extremely thin, bendable OLED film (OLED: organic light emitting diodes), and it displays extremely sharp images that are rich in contrast. When inactive, the OLED display is in a flat retracted position; as soon as the vehicle is started, it moves up at an angle. The curved display ensures a constant ergonomic distance to the driver’s hand, their wrist calmly resting on the eight-speed tiptronic selector lever.

Within the driver’s field of view lies the Audi virtual cockpit future. High-resolution displays and three mirrors generate a virtual visual stage with three levels. In the navigation view, for instance, the first level presents information that is important for driving; levels two and three generate the depth effect in the cockpit. Thanks to this staggered approach, information is structured better and is easier to grasp. According to driving style, content and colours will change in the Audi virtual cockpit future, for instance, when the display changes to sport mode.

Comfort and entertainment in the rear provided by OLED technology

The rear passengers in the Audi prologue Avant use a flexible OLED display integrated in the centre console which due to its bendable structure adapts its angle to the rear seat backrests’ angle of inclination. Using this display, settings such as seat adjustment, climate control, audio/video and ambient values can be controlled in the back of the car. Moreover, passengers can exchange data with the driver. 

When inactive, the OLED display lies flat in the centre console. As soon as rear passengers get into the car, it moves up at an angle. As with the OLED display in the front of the car, the curved display in the rear also ensures a constant and ergonomically ideal distance to the passenger’s hand.

When the audio system is active, a sound spoiler moves out of the rear wheelhouse panellings, homogenously distributing music in the interior in high-end quality.

The two Audi tablets mounted to the backrests of the front seats – also with OLED technology - are highly slender and slightly curved. They can be unclipped and then be operated outside of the car.

From the moment of getting into the Audi prologue Avant, the driver and the passengers can experience first-class comfort. The “butler” – an innovative, intelligent software program – identifies them based on their smartphones and adjusts the seats and climate control system according to their preferences. The system also makes suggestions for music and route planning based on the owner’s preferences. Mobile phones can be placed in the two Easy Slot systems integrated in the centre tunnel console. There they are linked up with the vehicle infotainment system and inductively charged.

Authentic: materials and colours

Colours and materials in the Audi prologue Avant emphasise the impression of comfort and elegance. The upper instrument panel is coloured in lifestyle blue, the bottom instrument panel, the seats and the carpet are designed in elegant sarder brown.

In the interior, aluminium trim elements add powerful visual highlights. The spokes of the steering wheel, the frames of the driver displays, the door inserts and the mountings and switches of the seats are made from that material. On the wrap-around, the doors and the centre tunnel console, they create a contrast with the panels out of open-pore, dark ash wood veneer.

Various surfaces such as the seats, dashboard and centre tunnel console are upholstered with the very natural Unikat leather. A generously dimensioned strip of Alcantara leather leads the eyes from the door inserts over the armrests back and into the luggage compartment. Artfully designed perforations in the seat centre line are evocative of the Singleframe grille bars.

Very close to series production: the technology

The plug-in hybrid drive of the Audi prologue Avant is almost identical to the powertrain in the Audi Q7 e-tron quattro which will be launched in summer 2015. The 3.0 TDI engine installed in the Audi prologue Avant outputs a maximum of 353 PS, and a powerful electric motor integrated in the eight-speed tiptronic contributes up to 100 kW. System output is 455 PS, while system torque is 750 Nm (553.2 lb-ft). 

The eight-speed tiptronic directs engine power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive ensuring superior drive characteristics in any situation.

The show car accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 155 mph. 

The Audi prologue Avant is capable of returning up to 176mpg combined according to the NEDC standard for plug-in hybrid vehicles – corresponding to 43 grams of carbon emissions per kilometre. The lithium-ion battery pack in the rear storing 14.1 kWh of energy gives the car a range of 33.6 miles in pure electric drive mode.

With its AWC (Audi wireless charging) technology which Audi is developing for series production, the battery can also be charged inductively. AWC technology provides energy from a floor plate which is connected to the power grid and which can be embedded on or into the asphalt. This plate integrates a primary coil and an inverter (AC/AC converter). When active, this coil induces a magnetic field of alternating current. On the basis of state-of-the-art technology, Audi uses 3.6 kW of power as provided by a wall socket with a maximum of 16 amps of charging current.

Comfort and athleticism combined: the chassis

The chassis of the Audi prologue Avant is also packed with high-end series production technology. The adaptive air suspension sport – an air suspension system with controlled damping – offers a wide spread between smooth power transmission and tight handling. Front and rear axles are lightweight five‑arm wishbone constructions. The 20-inch brake discs are made from carbon fibre ceramics.

The dynamic all-wheel-drive steering system resolves the classic conflict between dynamic handling and stability. The system combines a dynamic transmission steering system on the front axle with an additional steering system for the rear wheels where an electric motor actuates two tie rods.

When the driver steers at low to moderate speeds, the rear wheels turn up to five degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels. This gives the responsiveness of the car a further boost and reduces its turning circle. At higher speeds, the Audi prologue Avant handles swerving very calmly and with superior reliability: in such a manoeuvre, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels.

New approach for Audi Avant at Geneva – The Audi prologue Avant will be unveiled next week at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, showcasing pioneering infotainment technology and hybrid quattro performance wrapped in a slender five-door body that reinterprets the prologue show car originally shown in Los Angeles.

The Future is now, The Future is AUDI, here we introduce the new Prologue Concept.

• Audi shows the benchmark of future design language in Los Angeles
• Head of Development Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg: “Perfect showcase of Audi DNA”
• Head of Design Marc Lichte: “A foretaste of the future of Audi” 

Audi is launching into a new design era: At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Marc Lichte, Head of Design, is presenting the Audi prologue concept car. Lichte is giving the Audi brand a new styling direction in the large coupe.

“When he moved to Audi, Marc Lichte launched a design offensive,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Development, who brought him to Ingolstadt in 2014. “His clear philosophy and precise understanding of Audi DNA let him develop a design strategy that is opening up entirely new perspectives for us. It is progressive and highly emotional; it expresses the technological competence and quality claim of the brand perfectly. The Audi prologue is its first proponent – it is a ‘signature car’ for Audi.”

Marc Lichte himself describes the character of the show car in this way: “Audi stands for sportiness, lightweight design and the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. In the Audi prologue, we are expressing this know-how in a new form – we have put the sportiest car in the luxury segment on wheels. Our team took new approaches in both exterior and interior design.”

Audi design is now expressing progressive technology even more powerfully. The two-door coupe has a flowing, elegant shape and taut design. Its forms and lines are unmistakable and introduce many new ideas. In the clear and unobstructed interior, the architecture melds with the display and operating concept to create a new type of unit. The entire front of the instrument panel is a large touch display, and a portion of the user interface operates with a new type of OLED display made of organic LEDs.

The show car’s technology combines power, comfort and efficiency. The 4.0 TFSI produces up to 605PS of power and 750 Nm (553.2 lb-ft) of torque; it accelerates the Audi prologue from 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds. Its dynamic all-wheel steering, in which the rear wheels can turn up to five degrees, makes the large couple extremely responsive and stable while driving.

Harmonious proportions: exterior

The Audi prologue is somewhat shorter and flatter than today’s production A8, with a length of 5.10 metres, wheelbase of 2.94 metres, width of 1.95 metres and height of 1.39 metres. A dominant feature at its low front end is a Singleframe grille displaying the four rings that is integrated into the automobile architecture. The large radiator grille has been widened much more, and it is positioned lower than on today’s production models. Its strong horizontal effect expresses an image of powerful dynamics. The cross bars have a finely structured diamond pattern, and their ends are split.

The headlights – shaped like wide, flat wedges – are located with their tips above the Singleframe. They present high-resolution Matrix laser technology: an innovation from Audi which opens up new approaches to headlight design and enables completely new functionalities. The pupils of the headlights are formed by a projection lens with a laser light source – they generate a matrix that illuminates the entire street in high resolution. Hovering beneath this element are five plastic lenses that are supplied with light via a glass fibre bundle, which are mounted to a lightweight structure and further extend the high-beam light. The new laser technology lets lighting designers create an extremely lightweight, compact and elegant eye-shaped form.

Audi quattro DNA visualised

Also new is the sculptural form of the air intakes under the headlights – the distinctive air intakes have diamond pattern screens in their interiors. A dynamically contoured blade, which is clearly separated from the bumper by a gap, elicits associations to motor sport. Mounted to it are two additional spoilers in glossy black, which give the show car an even stronger and wider stance on the road.

In side profile, its flowing silhouette expresses the character of forward motion in the Audi prologue. Balanced proportions put equal emphasis on the front and rear wheels – a clear reference to the quattro DNA of Audi. The powerful 22-inch wheels are set in widely flared wheel arches. They are fitted with tyres of size 285/30. Each wheel’s ten intertwining Y spokes project a filigreed, three-dimensional and powerful image.

Edges above the wheel arches refer back to the Ur-quattro

A characteristic feature of the Audi prologue are the flared shoulders above the wheels, front and rear. Like the blisters of the original Audi Ur-quattro of the 1980s, they visualise the quattro drive – but they are no longer just added on, rather they are worked into the flow of the base architecture. In a side view, the shoulders form two gentle arcs above the wheels, which break up the somewhat lower shoulder line between the wheels.

The wings, doors and rear side panels show curved muscular surfaces. The lower door area has a low concave shape that runs upwards to the rear – a motif that links to the design theme of air inlets. The side sills are drawn inward; glossy black aprons form a continuation of the front spoiler. All lines and surfaces on the Audi prologue show car are logically interrelated, which is typical Audi.

Aluminium components in hand-finished quality

The door mirrors are small aluminium sculptures: The mirror housings in the form of a shell create a flowing transition to the window slot trim. They also integrate the open-door sensor surfaces. The doors have no handles, and they are opened electromechanically when the illuminated sensor surfaces are touched.

Vast areas of the stiff multimaterial body of the Audi prologue consist of aluminium and ultra-high-strength steel. The windows are framed by matt and polished aluminium trim strips. At the end of the low roof dome, the window framing transitions into a solid surface of aluminium; its workmanship illustrates the handcraft-like manufacturing quality of Audi, and it enables lowering of the windows despite the C-pillars. 

This area integrates the fuel tank lid on the right side of the show car. It has an electric opening mechanism and can be lowered completely into the C-pillar by pressing a button in the interior. For enhanced convenience in refuelling, the tank closure does not have a cap. The paint is a light diva grey, a new type of pearl effect paint, which has a warm and elegant appearance.

Rear section drives the whole car forward

The rear section of the Audi prologue also breaks with conventions. It is angled in the driving direction and is reminiscent of the side and rear views of a luxurious yacht; the sickle-shaped seam between the side panel and the bumper emphasises this dynamism. The edge of the boot lid, which is executed as a discreet spoiler, picks up on the blister line coming from the side panel. Between the C-pillars, the rear window has a concave inward curve – it closes off the passenger compartment while enabling convenient cargo loading with the separate boot lid. The Audi prologue unites the positive aspects of a saloon with the aesthetic highlights of a coupe.

The unconventional design of the LED rear lights with their 3D glass gives the tail lights all of the benefits of the new design: the new, long tail lights run across the entire width of the car. At its termination point, the light illuminates the frame of the embossed 3D form. Fine lines in the 3D glass appear to hover in the middle of the light. The brake light is located deep inside the lighting unit. When braking, the bottom of the 3D imprint is also illuminated, which makes the light appear to move towards the observer. This configuration on different levels, and the alternation between 2D and 3D lighting functions lets the observer experience the tail lights in an entirely new dynamic way.

Beneath the bumper, there is a diffuser made of black anodised aluminium; like the front blade, it extends over the full width of the car as a separate, significantly recessed element. The diffuser integrates two trapezoid-shaped inlets which visually coordinate with the embossed tail lights and house the exhaust system tailpipes.

Luxurious and innovative: interior and operating concept

The spacious interior of the Audi prologue is like a luxurious lounge. It is based on Gran Turismo design, and it enables both very focused driving and relaxed touring. The interface visually adapts to the specific driving style. The interior marks the beginning of a new design era at Audi, in which the architecture merges with the operating concept to form one unit. The surfaces for displays and controls are innovatively integrated into the instrument panel and console of the centre tunnel, and the infotainment system brings driver and passenger into dialog with one another.

When entering the vehicle, the four-seat coupe receives its passengers with polite hospitality. The “butler” – an innovative intelligent software program – identifies them based on their smartphones and adjusts the seats and climate control system according to their preferences. The system also makes recommendations for music and route planning that are oriented towards the owner’s preferences. The Easy Slot system, an advanced development of the Audi phone box, is located under lids in the centre console. A special mechanism networks the smartphones of passengers to the vehicle infotainment system and charges them.

Generous open interior space

Tautly stretched lines and lean geometric forms give the interior a light and clear ambience. The instrument panel has a light and elegant appearance with its strictly horizontal layout that is not interrupted anywhere, and it emphasises the generous interior width. It lowers itself towards the interior on two levels. The upper level is positioned, like a roof, above the Audi virtual cockpit future – an advanced development of the Audi virtual cockpit – and above the line of air vents. It is part of the wrap-around – a large arc that encircles the driver and front passenger.

A second wrap-around joins the front and rear sections of the interior and is already quite visible from the exterior. The centre console with its pass-through also appears to hover, as do the front seats, whose rails are mounted on the tunnel and side sills. The head restraints of the two rear bucket seats are lowered when not in use; they automatically extend when a passenger enters the rear seating area with the electric easy entry function.

When the sound system is activated, a new type of sound spoiler extends from the rear shelf; it optimally produces a premium sound in the car that is typical of Audi.

Entire front of instrument panel becomes a display

A radically new type of display and operating concept is embedded in the elegant architecture. Across its full width, the front of the instrument panel is designed to be a display surface which integrates three touch displays. The driver-oriented display to the left of the steering wheel is used to control functions for lighting and assistance systems. The driver-oriented operating unit to the right contains media controls. The front passenger faces a widescreen display that is integrated into the full surface of the instrument panel; it is used to individually and conveniently control entertainment features.

The new type of front passenger display enables digital interaction between the driver and front passenger for the first time. A wiping movement by the passenger is all it takes to send pre-configured routes to the driver’s display and input them into the Audi virtual cockpit future.

On the console of the centre tunnel, there is a fourth flexible touch display that is ergonomically adapted to the driver; it is used for climate control, handwriting input and other vehicle settings. This display consists primarily of an extremely thin, bendable OLED film (OLED: organic light emitting diodes), and it displays extremely sharp images that are rich in contrast. When not in use, the OLED display is integrated flush to the center console and is nearly invisible. When the car is started, the flexible display stands up. 

The fact that it bends ensures a constant distance to the hand which makes for better ergonomics. When operating the display, the wrist rests on the low-positioned gear selector lever of the eight-speed tiptronic. Designers have also redesigned the shift-by-wire lever. It is now integrated seamlessly into the centre console. Cupholders and smartphone slots are installed under lids on the centre console, to the left and right of the console support element.

Audi virtual cockpit future shows images on three levels

The Audi virtual cockpit future offers a glimpse into the future of the digital cockpit: High-resolution displays and three mirrors generate a virtual stage on three levels – a fascinating view with visual depth. In the navigation view, the first level presents information that is important for driving; levels two and three generate the depth effect in the cockpit. Structuring the information on different levels makes it better organized and easier for the driver to comprehend. 

The content and colours of the Audi virtual cockpit future change as a function of driving style – when required, the display switches over to Sport mode with special presentation of the relevant information such as engine rpm, temperatures and charge pressure.

Inside the Audi prologue, every detail clearly illustrates its exclusive character.

A finely crafted perforated panel covers the air vents. If the driver sets the blower to a higher stage, the panel retracts downwards.

White LED light conductors trace the distinctive lines of the interior, starting at the doors. A large aluminium brace forms the steering wheel spokes; it harmonises with the bars on the displays and the door pull handles. All aluminium accents show perfection in craftsmanship: Their surfaces have matt finishes, and the edges are polished – a fine interplay of gloss levels.

Natural materials communicate a new luxury

For Audi designers from the Colour & Trim area, natural materials are the new luxury; all of the materials in the show car fascinate with their authenticity. The surfaces of the seats and seat backs, the dashboard, the console on the centre tunnel and the armrests are covered in light-coloured “passion” leather – a new soft grade of leather that emphasises the natural characteristics of the animal hide.

Soft nubuck leather, also in a light colour, covers the backs of the seats and the side panel trim of the rear seating area. On the instrument panel, the grey-brown trim of the lower section provides another strong accent. The wrap-around is upholstered in dark “passion” leather; here, and in many other areas, aluminium trim strips contrast with panels of open-grained silver-grey elm wood veneer.

Dynamic yet convenient: the technology

The technology of the Audi prologue is as sophisticated as its interior is emotion-evoking. The 4.0 TFSI, which is installed in the engine compartment like a technical masterpiece, produces 605 PS and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of torque; in overboost mode, which the driver can call up for around 15 seconds, a boosted torque of 750 Nm (553.2 lb-ft) is available. The sonorous biturbo V8 accelerates the two-door coupe, which has an unladen weight of 1,980 kilograms (4365.2 lb) from 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds.

The show car is capable of returning  to 32.8mpg combined, which equates to CO₂ emissions of 199 grams per kilometre. One contributor to this high efficiency is a new 48-volt subsystem of the vehicle electrical system – this is a technology that will soon be introduced to production cars at Audi. The 48-volt system is supplied by a powerful belt starter generator, which turns the powertrain into a mild hybrid and has an energy recovery output of up to 12 kW during braking. An eight-speed tiptronic directs engine power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which works closely with torque vectoring.

New five-link wheel suspensions

In the chassis, the adaptive air suspension sport – an air suspension with controlled damping – offers a large adjustment range between smooth rolling and very tight handling; it also varies the show car’s ground clearance over several levels. The front and rear suspensions are engineered as lightweight five-link designs. The large carbon-fibre ceramic brake discs decelerate the show car powerfully. On the 20-inch front brakes, they are gripped by six-piston fixed calipers.

A technology highlight of the Audi prologue is its dynamic all-wheel steering – it boosts driving dynamics and ride comfort by an intelligent combination of dynamic and all-wheel steering. The driver therefore can enjoy an automobile with extremely good handling. In the lower speed range, this is made evident by better agility and turning ability. In the higher speed range, developers improved the car’s responsiveness which leads to greater vehicle stability.

Overall, dynamic all-wheel steering – with rear wheel steering angles of up to five degrees – makes it easy to manoeuvre when parking and offers precise steering on country roads and impressively comfortable steering on freeways.

Fuel consumption of the models named above:

Audi A8:

Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 11.3 – 5.9** (20.8 – 39.9 US mpg);

Combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 264 – 144** (424.9 – 231.7 g/mi)

**The fuel consumption and the CO₂ emissions of a vehicle vary due to the choice of wheels and tyres. They not only depend on the efficient utilisation of the fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behaviour and other non-technical factors.