Audi grand sphere concept. A salon on wheels that drives itself
In August 2021, the Audi skysphere concept electrically powered roadster was shown for the first time. It is a spectacular vision of an automated GT car that, thanks to its variable wheelbase, transforms into an autonomous driving sports car. Both concept cars, as well as the Audi urbansphere – the last representative of the three, which is due to appear in 2022, have in common the fact that their entire concept is based on the possibility of automatic driving level 4.
Audi grandsphere concept. In a saloon-like interior
Level 4 transforms the interior space of a traditional driver-oriented cockpit and passenger seats into a spacious saloon. While in a traditional luxury limousine the boss sits in the back, here the first class moves forward to the first row of seats. This is because it no longer has to be primarily subordinated to driving and operating functions. In Level 4 driving mode, the steering wheel and pedals disappear and the front of the cabin, in all its spaciousness, with excellent views through the large windscreen and side windows, and with maximum mobility, transforms into a truly open space.
The interior feels most spacious when both front seats are pushed all the way back. The Audi grandsphere is a 2+2 vehicle. The upholstered double rear bench seat with integral side armrest is integrated into the rear wall, and the two front seats are designed for maximum comfort and optimal space. Infotainment offers are individually tailored, e.g. seamless integration of on-board streaming with already used providers music and video. The next step in the future will be access to personalized and exclusive offers prepared by Audi for concerts, cultural events and even sports events to which customers of the four rings will be invited.
Audi grandsphere concept. Personalization at every turn
The doors of the Audi grandsphere concept open in opposite directions and are set against the locks. The vehicle does not have a B-pillar. This way, the entire interior space opens up to the passengers as soon as they get in. But before that happens, the Audi grandsphere identifies its occupants with innovative gait recognition, opens the doors and greets them with individual light animations on the displays and ambient lighting. The position of the driver and front passenger is automatically detected, and numerous personal comfort features - such as climate control and seat settings - adapt to the respective seat. At the same time, the infotainment system accesses the services recently used by passengers and seamlessly resumes them inside the car. For example, a video that a passenger was watching on a tablet is automatically played on the display surface of the Audi grandsphere. On the driver's side, the projection surface automatically receives the display of the news that the driver was reading before getting into the vehicle. or black screens of virtual displays. Instead, we see clearly arranged and calm zones made of the highest quality materials. Another surprise when the vehicle comes to life at the push of a button: the displays are there! Though they take the form of projections on wooden surfaces below the windshield. Depending on the driving mode - manual with steering wheel or level 4 - they are distributed over the entire width of the interior or divided into segments: separately for the driver and separately for the front passenger. All the information you need while driving is displayed in high definition and easy to read. Alternatively, in automated driving mode, the projection surface can also be used as a CinemaScope screen for infotainment content or as a video conferencing screen. In addition, there is a band of touch buttons under the projection screen, which allows you to quickly switch content: for example, from music to navigation. The touch buttons operate all the functions and applications currently active in the car. The icons of the relevant menus are illuminated. Near the door cut-out, on the inside of the door trim, there is one particular innovative operating element: the MMI touchless response panel. If the driver is sitting in an active driving position far ahead in the interior, he can use this control to hapticly select various menus of functions and use the rotary ring and buttons to navigate through the various levels. Simple, intuitive operation. On the other hand, if the driver moves the seat far back when driving in level 4, he will not have to give up these comfort elements. This is because a combination of eye tracking and gesture control is being used at this point. The eye-facing sensor recognizes the line of sight when the control unit is about to be turned on. The passenger only has to make hand movements - without bending - which are similar to haptic operation and can thus - without touching anything - just as well use the system. The same applies to all operating modes: eye tracking, gesture control or voice control, input data via handwriting and touch: The Audi grandsphere concept adapts to the user and learns his preferences and frequently used menus, and on this basis can not only meaningfully complete partial commands, but also make individual suggestions to the user. The control panels are integrated into the armrests on the door. In this way, the vehicle always offers occupants access to them through optical cues to the position of the invisible touch surfaces. In addition, there are VR glasses in the door armrests on the left and right sides, which can be used in conjunction with infotainment options - for example with the Holoride system.
Audi grandsphere concept. Which drive?
The Audi grandsphere technology platform - Premium Platform Electric, or PPE for short - was designed exclusively for battery-electric drive and thus fully exploits all its advantages. The centerpiece of the PPE is the battery module located between the axles, which supplies around 120 kWh of energy in the Audi grandsphere concept car. By utilizing the entire vehicle floor between the axles, Audi is able to achieve a flat battery arrangement. In combination with the large wheels, this gives basic proportions, ideal not only for the design. One of the main advantages here is the considerable length of the interior, and thus the legroom in both rows of seats. In addition, the elimination of the gearbox housing and the shaft tunnel increases the space comfort in electric cars. Naturally, the grandsphere model is equipped with the quattro drive, so characteristic of the Audi brand. The concept vehicle therefore has one electric motor on each axle. The motors, using electronic coordination, implement all-wheel drive as required, maintaining the perfect balance between driving dynamics and economy. The two electric motors in the Audi grandsphere concept generate a combined output of 530 kW and a torque of 960 Nm. The heart of the drive is the 800-volt charging technology. As in the Audi e-tron GT, this technology ensures very fast charging of the battery with up to 270 kW at fast charging stations. This strategy allows for charging times similar to those of classic refueling stops for cars with internal combustion engines. Just ten minutes is enough to store the drive energy for over 300 kilometers of driving. In less than 25 minutes, the charge level of the 120 kWh battery can be increased from 5 to 80 percent. With a range of more than 750 kilometers – depending on drive and power variant – the Audi grandsphere concept is uncompromisingly suitable for long distances. And in terms of range and charging speed, it keeps pace with cars powered by internal combustion engines, making it the perfect all-rounder for everyday use.
See also: third generation Nissan Qashqai
