2007 Tokyo Motor Show: Audi Metroproject Quattro Concept
- Looks like: If Audi crossbred with a Mini Cooper
- Defining characteristics: Big bold grille, itsy bitsy body
- Ridiculous features: Pillarless windows, personal cell phone
- Chance of being mass-produced: This could very well be the rumored Audi A1 that the company hopes can compete with the Mini Cooper.
Sometime last night, the Tokyo Motor Show kicked off and we’re waking up to some crazy concepts. We’re blow away at how much Audi’s Mini fighter exudes so much, well, Mini-ness despite all the Audi design language going on. If you think the looks are a bit outrageous, Audi has really gone over the top with the drivetrain of this concept car.
A 150 hp, turbo four-cylinder drives the front wheels — which on its own would be a feasible, everyday powerplant — while an electric motor drives the rear wheels during acceleration. That’s right, this is a hybrid, and a hybrid creating an all-wheel drive effect. Wild.
The electric motor can also power the car alone at low speeds, with a range of 62 miles. All told, Audi says such a system would not only hit 62 mph in 7.8 seconds it would also get around 48 mpg. Ready to sign up for one yet? We have to digest the images a bit, but we expect Audi is quite serious about this car. Check out all the images below and let us know what you think.
