The Audi Nanuk Quattro Concept has both familiar Audi design language and new designs
At the 2013 IAA in Frankfurt am Main, Audi unveiled the Audi Nanuk Quattro Concept, a stunning crossover concept that blends the agility of a high-performance sports car with Audi’s renowned quattro expertise. Designed in collaboration with Italdesign Giugiaro, the Nanuk Quattro is a versatile sports car ideal for both the racetrack and off-road environments.
It showcases Audi’s commitment to performance, with a focus on both dynamics and efficiency. The Nanuk Quattro features a powerful 5.0-liter V10 TDI engine, making 544hp and delivering an impressive 1,000Nm of torque from as low as 1,500 rpm. It also sports a similar panel behind the door like the R8 while almost all of the rest of the car has no Audi design language.
Moreover, this engine is paired with a seven-speed S tronic transmission that drives Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel-drive system. The twin-turbocharged engine incorporates the Audi valvelift system (AVS) for better throttle response, while a common rail system operates at 2,500 bar to ensure fuel efficiency.
With a curb weight of around 1,900kg, the Audi Nanuk Quattro accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 305km/h. Despite its raw power, the concept boasts a remarkable fuel efficiency of 7.8 liters per 100km due to innovative thermal management, including separate cooling loops and a steplessly controlled oil pump.
The vehicle’s adaptive air suspension also allows for adjustable ground clearance, with three settings,normal, 30mm lower, or 40mm higher. The suspension is also responsive to driving speed and predictive route data from the navigation system. Additionally, the Nanuk Quattro features integral steering, which adapts rear-wheel steering based on speed.
On top of that, at low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction, reducing the turning radius and enhancing agility. At higher speeds, they turn in the same direction as the front wheels for better stability. The exterior design is both dynamic and precise, reflecting Audi’s design philosophy.
The vehicle features a lightweight aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) body panels, finished in Extreme Red. Its sharp, angular lines and large wheels create a striking presence, while the front end features a hexagonal single-frame grille and advanced Audi Matrix LED technology, which adapts between low and high beams for optimal visibility.
Inside, the Nanuk Quattro is centered around a driver-focused cockpit. The instrument cluster is digital and programmable, offering a range of customizable displays. The interior is minimalist, with fine materials such as mineral gray leather and carbon fiber, highlighting the car’s focus on high-performance driving and luxury.
