Audi's 2011 Geneva motor show technical study - the A3 Sedan concept integrates the full breadth of the brand's technological expertise - from an improved MMI operating system and hi-tech infotainment system to a five-cylinder turbo developing 300kW, a seven-speed S tronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
It’s a four-seat notchback sedan that likely strongly resembles the imminent all-new A3. It is 4.44m long and 1.84m wide but only 1.39m high, with a single-frame grille giving the front end a sculptured look. The grille frame is made of carbon fibre, with three horizontal aluminium louvres to emphasise the show-car's width.
The headlights merge with the upper corners of the single-frame, forming a transition that marks the starting point of the prominently accentuated lines of the bonnet.
The headlights represent a new stage of evolution in LED technology; they become broader as they extend outward, and a line underneath them makes them seem to float on air. There's a fill-width air intake above the front splitter, also made of carbon fibre and framed by a metal clasp.
The profile is also recognisable at first sight as an Audi with a low roof dome flowing into a flat, coupé-like C pillar. The greenhouse accounts for one-third of the height, while the sheet metal makes up the remaining two-thirds.
The outside mirrors, made of aluminium and carbon fibre, are perched on the top shoulder, just like on a sports car. The door handles with their brushed-aluminum clasps are recessed flush with the door. When the driver touches them, they power-extend.
The broad, flat tail lights culminate in a point on the inside, and the tailgate bears an elegant spoiler edge. The rear apron includes a diffuser insert of carbon fibre and metal, which in turn surrounds the two large tailpipes.
The doors, bonnet and boot lid are made of aluminium., helping to keep the concept's weight down to only 1540kg.
The long wheelbase - 2.63m - gives rear passengers in their two individual seats a pleasing amount of knee room, while the horizontal lines of the fascia emphasis width. The large trim strip is made of solid aluminium and includes control functions.
The high-quality speakers in the doors and on the rear shelf have aluminium trim panels that extend a few millimetres when the audio system is switched on, in a visual accompaniment to the sound pattern
Four large, round air vents in the centre stack echo fighter-jet design; air flow is adjusted by pulling and pushing on the centre axis of the vents. The controls for the automatic aircon are in the lower section of the centre stack on a boldly protruding dedicated control panel.
The analogue dials have black faces with red needles, complemented by additional kidney-shaped displays with engraved rims made of brushed aluminium. Between tham there's a 200mm user-programmable display for the driver information system.
The control panel for the MMI multimedia system is on the centre console; the top of the large rotary pushbutton now includes a touch pad, which will soon be introduced in series production. The ultra-thin MMI monitor extends out of the instrument panel, another feature taken from the full-size car class.
The MMI provides full access to the internet and the whole car is a Wi-Fi hotspot: passengers can surf and send e-mail to their hearts' content. Holders for iPads are installed on the back of the front seat backrests.
The concept's 2.5-litre, five-cylinder TFSI engine develops a claimed 300kW and 500Nm from 1600-5300rpm and can hit 100km/h from standstill in 4.1sec. Top speed is limited to 250km/h; claimed fuel consumption is 9.2 litres/100km, CO2 emissions 212g.km.
A compact, seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission with paddle shift takes the power to all four wheels via quattro permanent all-wheel drive, using an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch at the end of the propshaft. When slip occurs at one of the axles, the clutch redirects the majority of the torque input to the wheels with the better grip.
Touch control buttons - backlit in red when it gets dark - on the centre console select drive positions R, N and D. Position P is automatically engaged when the electric parking brake is applied and launch control unleashes explosive turbo-power from a standing start with minimum wheel-spin.
The chassis is derived from the current RS 3 Sportback, featuring McPerson struts and separate axle supports - with most of the components made of aluminium - at the front, and an all-steel, four-link rear suspension setup with separate spring and damper mountings.
The dynamic handling system gives the driver five modes - comfort, auto, dynamic, individual and efficiency - from which to select engine, steering and transmission characteristics.
The recessed, five-spoked, 20” rims are made of carbon-fibre and aluminium and are wrapped in 245/30 rubber front and rear.