VW’ssubsidiary – Audi, surprised the motoring world with the Audi Nanuk Quattro Concept which appeared for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The concept’s styling ques come from Italdesign Giugiaro Parco design house which has been in VW Group’s portfolio since 2010.

Versatile high-performance sports car

The two seater roadster is powered by an all-new twin turbo diesel V10 engine mounted longitudinally in front of the rear axle. The 5.0-litre engine produces 400kW of power and 1000Nm of torque from just 1200 rpm. The twin-turbo register charging unit is controlled via the Audi Valve-lift system (AVS), while the common rail system operates at an injection pressure of 2500 bar, and a seven-speed S tronic located behind the engine transfers the torque to a specially designed quattro drivetrain.

Audi says the concept has a fuel consumption of 7.8-litres/100km thanks to a new oil pump and innovative thermal management system that can separate cooling loops.

Dynamic handling and stability

The Audi Nanuk Quattro Concept rides on 22-inch wheels which are shod with 235/50-series tyres up front and 295/45 at the rear, with carbon fibre ceramic brake discs that can withstand high temperatures and are abrasion resistant.

The Nanuk Quattro is also equipped with an air suspension that has electronically-controlled dampers that allow the ground clearance to be manually adjusted from normal to lower (30mm) and higher (40mm).

The system also controls the level of the body itself based on driving speed and the predictive route data supplied by the navigation system.

Innovative design Features

The Nanuk’s body structure is made from aluminium Audi Space Frame with carbon fibre-reinforced polymer components featuring an Extreme Red finish. At the front is a very flat version of a hexagonal single-frame grille, with a narrow aluminium frame that encircles its insert.

The interior features rear and side view mirrors which have been replaced with digital cameras and screens. The side view images appear in the A-pillars and the rearview image is projected from the headliner.

All control elements, including the controls for the electronically controlled air suspension, the touchwheel for navigation and multimedia functions and the turn signals, are concentrated on the centre tunnel console and the steering wheel. The seats, with folding backs, pronounced side bolsters and integrated head restraints are power-adjustable. Audi has also installed an Audi phone box, which can charge yoursmartphoneinductively.

There has been no mention of the car making it to production.

Audi Nanuk Quattro Concept Gallery