Mystery Audi test car hints at extreme electric 4×4


Audi appears to be gearing up for the launch of a hardcore electric off-roader, with a distinctive prototype having been spotted testing at a company facility in Germany.

Although based on the upcoming Q6 E-tron Sportback, it’s significantly taller and wider than the regular electric SUV.

It appears to have a more aggressive front bumper than the Q6, with redesigned daytime running lights and larger air intakes.

The wheel arches have swollen to swallow up a set of thick-walled all-terrain tyres and the roof is fitted with the same rack as the limited-run Audi Q8 E-tron Edition Dakar.

This suggests Audi could be preparing a similar version of the Q6, albeit with a much more overt focus on off-road performance.

Audi abruptly withdrew from the World Rally Raid Championship in March (having won the Dakar Rally in January), and it may now be preparing a special model in tribute to its three years campaigning in the series.

However, it could also be a test mule for the German brand’s upcoming rival for the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, plans for which were unearthed by Autocar last year.

Audi Q6 mule – rear quarter

This car won’t be based on the same PPE architecture as the Q6, which could explain why the mule is so abnormally stretched widthways.

Notably, its proportions bear a strong resemblance to those of the Activesphere concept that Audi revealed a year ago.

Audi designers confirmed that aspects of the Activesphere – including its broad shoulders – were destined for the road, and several of those can be seen in the new prototype.

“Maybe this is the future: Audi Allroad 2.0,” said Marc Lichte, then Audi’s chief designer.

A spokesperson for Audi was unable to comment on the images of the new prototype.



Source link

About The Author

Scroll to Top