Frankfurt 2013: Audi Nanuk & Quattro Concept
Off-road supercar and latest Quattro coupe concept
By Shahzad Sheikh
I like this a lot – it’s a sort of crossover or off-road supercar. It is spectacular to behold, high-riding, extremely ride, potent and purposeful. If it wasn’t for a diesel engine, I’d say it was perfect for our region!
Diesel? Yes, the Nanuk concept is powered by a twin-turbo 5.0-litre V10 TDI producing 544bhp but 737lb ft of torque, which would be able to push this 1900kg monster to 100kph in just 3.8seconds on its 22-inch wheel and electronically controlled and adjustable air suspension – lower or higher.
Like the Merc S-Class this would have a self-determining GPS system that could automatically select the appropriate ride height.
I loved this thing, but tried not to get too excited, as this is merely a concept.
But then so is the Sport Quattro Concept resplendent in bright yellow, paying tribute to the original Ur-Quattro of the 1980s and following on from a 2010 concept. This is an update of that car with a redesigned front and rear.
It gets 21-inch wheels, is said to weight 1850kg and powered by 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 putting out 560bhp combining with a 150bhp electric motor to give 700bhp and 590lb ft of torque. That should give it a 0-100kph time of 3.7seconds and a top speed of 305kph.
I’m saying ‘should’ and ‘would’ because this too is just a concept. But it seems to be getting closer and closer to production reality, so let’s keep our fingers crossed!
