- The AI:TRAIL includes features such as removable hammock-like backseats and LED drones that fly ahead of the vehicle and illuminate the road, instead of headlights.
- This is the fourth release in the automaker's concept electric vehicles line.
- Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.
Audi created an autonomous quattro off-roader that uses flying drones to illuminate the road instead of headlights
Audi has released the concept AI:TRAIL quattro, an emissions-free autonomous off-roader.
Audi recently revealed its concept emissions-free quattro that comes with drones instead of headlights.
It's called the AI:TRAIL, and it's the fourth release in Audi's series of concept electric vehicles, which also includes the Aicon, AI:ME, and AI:RACE.
The vehicle was designed with the feeling of nature in mind. The quattro got its "Trail" moniker because it evokes the idea of "exploring nature," according to the automaker.
To do this, Audi constructed the cabin of the AI:TRAIL out of mostly glass to provide an unobstructed view of the passengers' surroundings. There also isn't a big screen infotainment center inside of the quattro. Instead, a smartphone mounted in front of the driver serves as the display and control center screen for the quattro's functions and navigation.
"The aim of the designers here was to give those inside the vehicle the best possible view of nature and their surroundings, breaking the boundaries between the interior and the world outside," the automaker said in a prepared statement.
"When the car is moving, the occupants' gaze is not merely focused on the terrain ahead but is free to wander and happen upon little details in the open spaces around them."
The 3,858 pound AI:TRAIL concept has a horsepower of 429, according to Autoblog . It can also hit top speeds of 81 mph and has a range between 248 and 310 miles on paved roads and "easy off-road terrain." On rougher paths, the range drops to 155 miles.
The vehicle also has features that make it more optimized for trail-traveling. For example, the two back row seats are designed to be hammocks that can be removed and used as portable outdoor seating. And instead of headlights, the AI:TRAIL relies on five LED drones that illuminate the trail.
Take a look at Audi's concept vehicle:
The Audi AI:TRAIL quattro was unveiled at Frankfurt IAA.
Audi
The four-seater quattro has automated driving and off-road capabilities.
Audi
The quattro got its Trail moniker because it evokes the idea of exploring nature, according to the automaker.
Audi
Audi claims this is the reason why there are no big screens inside of the quattro. Instead, the cabin is made of glass to provide unobstructed views of the road and passengers surroundings.
Audi
...we designed a monolithic basic vehicle body with maximum glazing to create an intense connection to the surroundings, Audis Head of Design Marc Lichte said in a prepared statement. A concept for sustainable mobility on demand.
Audi
"The aim of the designers here was to give those inside the vehicle the best possible view of nature and their surroundings, breaking the boundaries between the interior and the world outside."
Audi
The AI:TRAIL is the fourth in a series of electric autonomous concept cars by Audi.
Audi
The other four include the AI:RACE, AI:ME, and Aicon.
Audi
The quattro has an exterior length of 13.5 feet and a width of 7.05 feet.
Audi
Its 5.5 feet tall with 22-inch wheels and 33.5-inch tires. This gives the vehicle a ground clearance of 13.4 inches and allows it to drive through water more than 1.6 feet deep.
Audi
There is a ridge halfway up the side of the window and on the front and rear of the quattro. This connects the body together.
Audi
The axles and battery are in the floor of the AI:TRAIL, which means there are no separate attachments for the motor or batteries.
Audi
The vehicle is made of steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber.
Audi
It weighs 3,858.09 pounds.
Audi
The bumper has integrated storage space. Audi states that this separate compartment can be used for dirty items such as hiking boots and wet clothing.
Audi
Sensors and an electronic stability control in the tires adjust the air pressure of the tires relative to the road-surface conditions.
Audi
For example, it can reduce the pressure of the tires while driving on sand, and increase it again when on asphalt.
Audi
A smartphone on the steering column serves as the display center screen for the quattros functions, such as control and navigation.
Audi
Audi designers used recycled materials, such as reprocessed wool and recycled leather, for the AI:TRAIL.
Audi
The back two seats are designed like hammocks and can be removed and used as mobile outdoor seating.
Audi
Instead of headlights, the quattro has light sources that can shine both inwards and outwards, lighting either the road or the interior of the car.
Audi
THE AI:TRAIL has Audi Light Pathfinders, five drones with LED lights instead of conventional low and high beams. They can fly ahead of the quattro, illuminating the path ahead.
Audi
They can also serve as video cameras that allow the driver to see what the Pathfinder sees.
Audi
Theres also an Audi Light Companion which is a flashlight-like like source that can be magnetically attached to the seat as ambient lighting, or taken on the go. When paired with the navigation system, it can project directions when hiking.
Audi
The quattro has a range of 248.5 to 310.7 miles on roads or easy off-road terrain. On rough ground, the AI:TRAIL has a range of around 155.3 miles.
Audi
It has a maximum speed of 80.8 mph.
Audi
See Also:
- Google's self-driving car project stopped working on a system similar to Tesla's Autopilot and Cadillac's Super Cruise in 2013 because one of its employees fell asleep at the wheel
- Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash are gearing up for a $90 million fight in California heres why they oppose the states new gig-worker bill and what they're proposing instead
- 2 car experts who tore apart Tesla's Model 3 explain why the company is still beating GM, Jaguar, and BMW in range
SEE ALSO: Tesla rivals Jaguar I-Pace and Audi e-tron are struggling to compete here's how the cars actually compare to the Model X
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng