Sun-drenched Los Angeles and snow-carpeted alpine Bavaria provide the inspiration for the Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro concept car, which makes its debut on Press Day at the 2007 L.A Auto Show (November 16-25, 2007).

Powered by the world’s cleanest diesel engine, and combining the sun worshipping potential of a classic cabriolet with the mountain-scaling agility of a quattro-equipped ‘off-roader’, the Cross Cabriolet quattro could form the basis of a future SUV model from Audi.

Deriving its fundamental chassis and drivetrain architecture from the modules used by the A5 coupe and new A4 saloon, and covering a similar ‘footprint’ on the road, the 4.62-metre long Cross Cabriolet quattro is powered by an even more efficient version of the 3.0-litre, 240PS V6 TDI engine incorporating a new ultra low emission system. Mounted longitudinally, the world’s cleanest diesel unit combines the benefits of state-of-the-art common rail injection with piezo crystal technology, exhaust gas recirculation and an exhaust after-treatment system. Using a special AdBlue additive, this new system reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90 per cent.

The result is an engine which will satisfy stringent emissions limits all over the world, even in especially rigorously controlled U.S states such as California, New York and Vermont, and which will share its technology with other units in the range from 2008 onwards.

This initiative will help Audi to meet its pledge to effect a 20 per cent reduction in C02 emissions across its fleet by 2012.

As the Cross Cabriolet quattro ably demonstrates, the ultra low emission technology demands no sacrifices in performance. Through an eight-speed automatic transmission with a new lever design incorporating a gear selector ‘control wheel’, the SUV study translates 240PS and a healthy 500Nm of torque into a 0-62mph acceleration time of 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 149mph, without ruling out the potential to cover over 38mpg.

When cruising the Cross Cabriolet quattro ensures that the drinks in its heatable and coolable cup holders remain as unshaken as possible through the use of Continuous Damping Control variable shock absorbers first seen in the Q7 SUV, complementing ultra-modern five-link front and transverse link rear suspension similar to the set-up in the A4 and A5.

The Audi drive select adaptive technology that has just become available in the new A4 enables the driver of the Cross Cabriolet quattro to adjust shock absorber settings to suit the prevailing road conditions at the touch of a button, or to leave the system to adapt automatically.

Variable ride height

From the four individual ‘White Stone’ leather-upholstered seats the occupants of the Cross Cabriolet quattro enjoy a quota of space that is currently unmatched by any convertible, even with the roof closed. Angled towards the driver is a high-tech dashboard containing a development of the familiar Multi Media Interface (MMI) system with futuristic satellite navigation technology using photorealistic 3D maps from Google Earth.

Through internet connection, the system not only provides ‘bird’s eye’ mapping that is vastly more detailed, but also eliminates the need for manual entry of a navigation destination. The driver can simply click on an image in the Google Earth user interface and be directed to the identified destination.

The list of technological innovations also includes a Bang & Olufsen sound system with internet radio, which provides access to the many radio stations broadcasting online. Tracks played by these stations can be ‘judged’ by the user, who can give a positive or negative verdict on each at the touch of a button. This helps the system to build a picture of their preferences and to offer a bespoke play list incorporating only the tracks that match them. The internet-based system also enables CD cover illustrations and track and artist background information to be displayed!