The Metroproject Concept represents Audi's vision of the sub-compact segment. The design study showcases a hybrid powertrain with a 1.4 TSI engine that drives the front wheels, and an electric motor connected to the rear axle. It can operate both on the internal combustion unit, on the electric motor alone, or drive by both systems for maximum performaces.

From the official Press Release:

Design

Exterior Design

The body of the Audi metroproject quattro measures 3.91 m in length, 1.75 m in width and has a wheelbase of 2.46 m. The sporty look in enhanced by the short overhangs, allowed by the transverse position of the engine, while the height of 1.40 m offers sufficient headroom even for the rear passengers.

Audi defines the Metroproject's exterior syling as "simple and coherent, making it look as if it has been cast from a single mould. The basic proportions, with a high vehicle body and a flat window area bordered by a coupé-like roof line, produce a virtually classic look for a vehicle bearing the four rings."

Tracing the roof's silhouette are two aluminium arches which run along the top edge of the windows to connect the A and C-posts, further emphasising the dynamic look of the body. The tail is rounded off by a spoiler integrated into the rear window.

The side-on view shows doors with frameless windows and no visible B-pillar and a bold segmentation of the side panelling with a gently rising shoulder line.

The Racing Red paint finish is a new interpretation of a trademark feature of the current Audi design.

The prominent double lines continue around the entire vehicle as a curvaceous band that links the front end – from which it seems to emerge – with the vehicle's tail, that rises to create a slightly wedge-shaped effect.

At the front, the metroproject quattro's lowered hood that is virtually embedded into the shoulder line forms a novel styling element.

The single-frame grille with its chequered-flag look and four interlinking rings leaves no doubt as to the study's sporty temperament, an impression that is further underlined by the aluminium finish on elements such as the grille, mirror housings, door handles, fuel filler cap and tailpipes.

The design of the three-dimensional main headlights in innovative LED technology is especially eye-catching. The reflectors focus the light emitted by each diode to create a powerful, uniform beam whose white light colour barely places any strain on the driver's eyes, even when driving for long distances at night. 3

The two-tone multipiece wheels feature V-shaped polished aluminium elements.

The wraparound tailgate joins the sides with the tail.

The sculpture-like tail lights with their three-dimensional glass lens design extend far into the vehicle's flanks.

When the tailgate is opened, the discreetly illuminated electric motor can be viewed through a glass panel, in similar fashion to the R8's engine. The luggage compartment has a 240 litres capacity.

Interior

The interior has four individual seats and a tidy, no-frills appearance.

The curving wrap-around element merges the doors and the sporty cockpit into a single whole. The dashboard and centre console are designed entirely around the driver.

"Ergonomics and aesthetics unite to create an ambience of clear-cut architecture and high-class appeal."

This impression is further enhanced by the two-tone colour concept.

The instrument cluster shroud, the wraparound and the centre console are trimmed in a contrasting colour to inject the interior with added dynamism.

The air vents and air conditioning controls are inspired by the aeronautical world.

This same thinking was behind the soft finish of the interior's surfaces. The round dials and the air vents, which are also circular, are reminiscent of a classic sports car cockpit à la Audi TT.

The aluminium insert in the centre console comprises the Audi mobile device as well as the start/stop button behind the gear lever. In the rear portion of the centre console can be found a thermos flask featuring an innovative cooling and heating system.

The contrasting colour scheme featuring dark panels and red stitching adds substance to the car’s overall sporty character.

The centre console houses a new, innovative technology: the removable Audi mobile device, a portable unit that works as an access authorisation system for the vehicle, mobile phone, navigation unit and audio and video player all in one.

The unit is operated using a touchscreen, whose architecture replicates the MMI standard.

The touch-sensitive screen is capable of recognising both Latin and Japanese characters, and is even able to decipher handwriting.

The Audi mobile device and vehicle communicate via a WLAN connection.

The Audi mobile device also offers the vehicle owner an extra security function: images from a camera in the vehicle interior can be received on the device's display in real time.

If the vehicle alarm is triggered, the system activates itself and warns the owner.

Should the vehicle be stolen and move out of the WLAN connection's range, the electronics automatically switch to the car phone's UMTS transmitter to keep the owner informed of the vehicle's current location.

Technical Features

The drive unit for the metroproject quattro showcases a fully independent hybrid technology.

The powertrain includes a 1.4.litre TFSI engine developing 110 kW (150 bhp) connected to the fron axle via the S-tronic Direct Shift Gearbox.

A 30 kW (41 bhp) electric motor positioned on the rear axle delivers up to an additional 200 Nm of torque when the vehicle is accelerating, or powers the vehicle alone for zero-emission driving in residential areas, with the lithium-ion batteries giving a range of up to 100 km in pure electric mode.

When the car is driven simultaneously by TFSI and electric motor it is transformed from a front-wheel-drive car to a quattro.

The capacity of the lithium-ion batteries gives the vehicle a range of up to 100 km in pure electric mode; the motor can be recharged from any power socket.

The automatic start/stop facility, energy regeneration and phases of purely electrical operation reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of the Audi metroproject quattro by around 15 percent compared to when it is running exclusively on the combustion engine.

Despite its sporty performance (0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, top speed of 201 km/h), the concept has an average fuel consumption of 4.9 litres of premium fuel for every 100 km, and CO2 emissions of 112 g/km.

The chassis adopts McPherson front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension, with 18-inch wheels and 225/35 R18 tires.

The shock absorbers feature Audi's magnetic ride system: the conventional shock absorber fluid is replaced by a magneto-rheological fluid whose viscosity can be controlled by means of an electromagnetic field.

(Source: Audi)