Audi unveils prototype PB18 e-tron

It’s as part of the Monterey Car Week that Audi’s new 100% electric track beast has been unveiled, and we finally know some technical specifications related to it. It’s thanks to a trio of electric engines that Audi’s PB18 e-tron prototype will be able to move from 0 to 100 km / h in just over two seconds. Two engines are positioned at the rear, while the third takes place at the front. The power developed by this configuration is 670 horsepower, with a torque of 612 lb-ft.

Even if it is said that this car covers is inspired by the Audi R18 e-tron LMP1, the manufacturer has not limited the capabilities of it to the track. Its battery pack of 95 kWh, and its various regeneration systems allow this sportswoman to enjoy a range of 500 kilometers. According to the manufacturer, if you use a “fast charging technology”, it is possible to recharge the battery in as little as 15 minutes.

What is even more impressive is the unique configuration of the cabin. When looking at the images of the PB18 e-tron, we notice that there is only one seat – the driver’s seat – in the center. However, Audi has designed this place in a unibody package that contains the seat, the steering wheel and the instrument cluster. If the driver wants to ride a passenger, he can slide this set to the left to add a seat.

The prototype that you have before your eyes is certainly closer to a production model, other information about it will probably follow in the coming months!

Audi Q3 2019: a preview of what’s coming next year

While waiting for the long-awaited all-electric Audi e-tron SUV, the four-ring builder lingers on the only SUV that he had not yet revised: the Q3. This is the new 2019 Audi Q3, which is scheduled for release in Europe in November 2018. In other words, this 2.0 version of the small utility is likely to arrive on this side of the Atlantic in 2019, potentially as a model 2020 if his arrival is delayed in the spring of next year.

Regardless of whether it’s coming soon or not, the Q3 is an SUV that has trouble hiding its origins that date back to 2011 in Europe. At home, the current Q3 landed in the country in 2015 in this form. Despite its age of design, it must be admitted, the pocket crossover has been a resounding success in North America.

The new Q3 is longer with a more generous wheelbase than the outgoing model, with a trunk larger than ever with 674 liters; the former had only 420 liters behind the second-row bench. The space for passengers is also enhanced, a detail that will not hurt the model.

The design is also evolving, the latter being clearly inspired by the one unveiled on the recent Q8. The front portion has a dominant grille grille and optical blocks with more original shapes than in the past. On the flanks, the arches of muscular wheels are a nice nod to the past of the brand in rally, while the rear is reminiscent of other redesigned SUV brand.

Inside, the dashboard takes the mood introduced aboard the latest Audi models. The 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel joins another 8.8-inch screen right in the center of the front-row occupants. An optional 10-inch screen (!) Will also be offered; will it be with us? As an entry-level SUV, it is not surprising to see Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems delivered automatically, as is wireless connectivity. After all, the Q3 is for hipsters, is not it?

Under the hood, the European model will be available with a battery of 4-cylinder engines, including a diesel fuel. However, the choice may be more limited when the vehicle has crossed our border, the manufacturer having accustomed us to the 4-cylinder turbo 2.0-liter engine coupled to an automatic transmission in the past. One can speculate on a box with at least 7 gears and a more modern version of this famous 4-cylinder block and, of course, the Quattro wheelhouse available as an option.

Video: The Audi e-tron SUV will have “virtual mirrors”

The automaker has not yet unveiled its first all-electric SUV, better known as the e-tron, but little by little details of this much-anticipated model of clean energy enthusiasts continue to be disclosed to the public. drop.

The latest innovation that will be integrated into the utility is on each side of the vehicle. Indeed, the side mirrors will be replaced by small cameras that project an image inside the cockpit, at the junction of the dashboard and the front doors.

The screens in the form of traditional mirrors are tactile, which allows the user to adjust the angle. The driver can even adjust the viewing angle – via the central touchscreen of the infotainment system also known as MMI at Audi – depending on the type of road taken (secondary road, highway, parking, etc.).

Obviously, this new technology is not only implanted to impress the brother-in-law, but especially to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

Recall that the manufacturer has also unveiled the dashboard of its future electric SUV earlier this month, a strategy taken to calm consumers interested in this first real incursion in electric propulsion for the Ingolstadt brand.

The global unveiling of the Audi e-tron was scheduled for late August, but due to the turmoil caused by the arrests of Audi President and CEO Rupert Stadler, the presentation was postponed to a later date.

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