Audi will be showing tomorrow in Shanghai the Audi Cross Coupé Quattro, a sporty SUV concept car that (probably) anticipates the upcoming Q5.

The Cross Coupé is typically Audi, with a chromed single frame grill, à-la Allroad Quattro, with sporty proportions that somewhat recall the Roadjet Concept, large 20″ wheels and an electrically operated folding fabric roof.

The engine is a new common-rail 2.0-liter TDI engine, with power output of 204 ps and 400 Nm of torque. Is it chance that it has the exact same performance data as the recently announced 2.0-liter 4 cylinder bi-turbo engine from BMW ? This new engine also has a particulate filter and Bluetec system to reduce soot and NO_x emissions.

The Quattro permanent four wheel drive system is governed by a Haldex clutch, while the gearbox is the S-Tronic dual-clutch robotic transmission. The text of the Audi press release follows below the fold. (Audi Cross Coupe Quattro image gallery)

The compact performance SUV

Audi Cross Coupè quattro

At the Shanghai Motor Show (20 - 28 April 2007) Audi will present a study that defines a new segment in the field of crossover vehicles. The Audi Cross Coupè quattro combines the design and dynamism of a compact premium sports car with the spaciousness and versatility of a four-seat sport utility vehicle (SUV). Innovative technical solutions show new ways of achieving efficiency, driving pleasure and comfort in a manner that is typical of Audi. The Audi Cross Coupè quattro: a car whose visual appearance clearly tells you what it is capable of and whose engineering matches this standard – on all roads, under all conditions.

The silhouette is typical Audi; the design of the study, painted in Liquid Silver, is highly reminiscent of the sporty models produced by the Ingolstadt brand. The proportions and the large 20″ wheels point clearly towards the offroad potential of the Cross Coupè quattro. A new element is the fabric folding roof, which, when it is open, gives optimum levels of headroom and fresh air. The hood is opened and closed electrically.

The transversely installed four-cylinder inline TDI engine with common-rail fuel injection and piezo injectors is a completely new development. With power output of 204 bhp and 400 Nm of torque, it gives the vehicle a sporty performance and a surprising degree of efficiency. On average the ultra-modern 2.0 TDI needs just 5.9 litres of diesel per 100 km. The diesel particulate filter and Bluetec system reduce soot and nitric oxide emissions effectively. Even today, the
Audi Cross Coupè quattro satisfies the emissions standards of the future.

The quattro permanent four-wheel drive system is a matter of course on an Audi with offroad potential. A Haldex clutch ensures that traction is precisely distributed according to the situation. The sporty Audi S tronic dual-clutch gearbox executes gearshifts in a matter of milliseconds.

The running gear, featuring a McPherson-strut front axle and a four-link rear axle is perfect for sporty and agile handling that retains a high degree of stability and makes cornering distinctly fun. As an additional quality, the driving comfort of the running gear impresses on all types of road and in rough terrain, meeting even the standards expected of a vehicle in a higher class. Ceramic brake discs promise excellent, non-fading deceleration. 20″ wheels give the Cross Coupè quattro the
ground clearance required.

Numerous electronic systems support the driver. The Audi drive select system makes it possible to preselect three highly individual configurations for the engine, gearbox, steering and adaptive shock absorbers. The result: a car that can be enjoyed in three completely different ways.

Besides the standard “dynamic” drive select mode and the “sport” setting, the Audi Cross Coupè also has the “efficiency” driving program. Here, the engine map and the shift points are modified to support a particularly economical driving style. In addition, the system deactivates components that are particularly energy-hungry, for example the air-conditioning compressor.

Another innovation is the MMI control panel, which is operated by a touch pad. The monitor of the system employs, for the first time, dual-view technology. The system can produce different images for the driver and front-seat passenger. These images are only visible when viewed from a specific angle. This allows the driver to read data from the on-board computer while the front passenger watches a TV programme, listening to the sound through headphones.

The sound system with the prominent extending tweeters sets a new infotainment standard in the class. The ambient lighting with numerous light sources gives the interior a stylish ambience, even at night.

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