Audi created an autonomous quattro off-roader that uses flying drones to illuminate the road instead of headlights

Brittany Chang

Sep 17, 2019, 22:12 IST

Audi created an autonomous quattro off-roader that uses flying drones to illuminate the road instead of headlights

Audi has released the concept AI:TRAIL quattro, an emissions-free autonomous off-roader.
The AI:TRAIL includes features such as removable hammock-like backseats and LED drones that fly ahead of the vehicle and illuminate the road, instead of headlights.
This is the fourth release in the automaker's concept electric vehicles line.
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Audi recently revealed its concept emissions-free quattro that comes with drones instead of headlights.

It's called the AI:TRAIL, and it's the fourth release in Audi's series of concept electric vehicles, which also includes the Aicon, AI:ME, and AI:RACE.

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The vehicle was designed with the feeling of nature in mind. The quattro got its "Trail" moniker because it evokes the idea of "exploring nature," according to the automaker.

To do this, Audi constructed the cabin of the AI:TRAIL out of mostly glass to provide an unobstructed view of the passengers' surroundings. There also isn't a big screen infotainment center inside of the quattro. Instead, a smartphone mounted in front of the driver serves as the display and control center screen for the quattro's functions and navigation.

"The aim of the designers here was to give those inside the vehicle the best possible view of nature and their surroundings, breaking the boundaries between the interior and the world outside," the automaker said in a prepared statement.

"When the car is moving, the occupants' gaze is not merely focused on the terrain ahead but is free to wander and happen upon little details in the open spaces around them."

The 3,858 pound AI:TRAIL concept has a horsepower of 429, according to Autoblog. It can also hit top speeds of 81 mph and has a range between 248 and 310 miles on paved roads and "easy off-road terrain." On rougher paths, the range drops to 155 miles.

The vehicle also has features that make it more optimized for trail-traveling. For example, the two back row seats are designed to be hammocks that can be removed and used as portable outdoor seating. And instead of headlights, the AI:TRAIL relies on five LED drones that illuminate the trail.

Take a look at Audi's concept vehicle:

The Audi AI:TRAIL quattro was unveiled at Frankfurt IAA.

The four-seater quattro has automated driving and off-road capabilities.

The quattro got its “Trail” moniker because it evokes the idea of “exploring nature”, according to the automaker.

Audi claims this is the reason why there are no big screens inside of the quattro. Instead, the cabin is made of glass to provide unobstructed views of the road and passengers’ surroundings.

“...we designed a monolithic basic vehicle body with maximum glazing to create an intense connection to the surroundings,” Audi’s Head of Design Marc Lichte said in a prepared statement. “A concept for sustainable mobility on demand.”

"The aim of the designers here was to give those inside the vehicle the best possible view of nature and their surroundings, breaking the boundaries between the interior and the world outside."

The AI:TRAIL is the fourth in a series of electric autonomous concept cars by Audi.

The other four include the AI:RACE, AI:ME, and Aicon.

The quattro has an exterior length of 13.5 feet and a width of 7.05 feet.

It’s 5.5 feet tall with 22-inch wheels and 33.5-inch tires. This gives the vehicle a ground clearance of 13.4 inches and allows it to drive through water more than 1.6 feet deep.

There is a ridge halfway up the side of the window and on the front and rear of the quattro. This connects the body together.

The axles and battery are in the floor of the AI:TRAIL, which means there are no separate attachments for the motor or batteries.

The vehicle is made of steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber.

It weighs 3,858.09 pounds.

The bumper has integrated storage space. Audi states that this separate compartment can be used for “dirty items” such as hiking boots and wet clothing.

Sensors and an electronic stability control in the tires adjust the air pressure of the tires relative to the road-surface conditions.

For example, it can reduce the pressure of the tires while driving on sand, and increase it again when on asphalt.

A smartphone on the steering column serves as the display center screen for the quattro’s functions, such as control and navigation.

Audi designers used recycled materials, such as reprocessed wool and recycled leather, for the AI:TRAIL.

The back two seats are designed like hammocks and can be removed and used as mobile outdoor seating.

Instead of headlights, the quattro has light sources that can shine both inwards and outwards, lighting either the road or the interior of the car.

THE AI:TRAIL has Audi Light Pathfinders, five drones with LED lights instead of conventional low and high beams. They can fly ahead of the quattro, illuminating the path ahead.

They can also serve as video cameras that allow the driver to see what the Pathfinder sees.

There’s also an Audi Light Companion which is a flashlight-like like source that can be magnetically attached to the seat as ambient lighting, or taken on the go. When paired with the navigation system, it can project directions when hiking.

The quattro has a range of 248.5 to 310.7 miles on roads or “easy off-road terrain.” On rough ground, the AI:TRAIL has a range of around 155.3 miles.

It has a maximum speed of 80.8 mph.

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