Concept reaches new heights

Audi has unveiled a Q6 e-tron offroad concept featuring two electric motors with a combined power output of 380kW and able to climb gradients of up to 100 per cent.

The prototype vehicle made its debut in Austria this month and features newly designed portal axles that increase torque at the wheel by 50 per cent. 

The German marque says this lowers the vehicle’s top speed to 175kph but enables it to climb gradients up to 45 degrees.

Four portal axles were developed from scratch for the concept and are integrated into the wheel hub assemblies at the front and rear axles. Audi explains this lifts the combined torque at all wheels to 13,400Nm.

It also stands on 33-inch high-performance tyres and has enhanced ground clearance of 160mm,

The Audi Q6 e-tron is the basis for the concept car and is the first production model built on the carmaker’s Premium Platform Electric.

Gernot Dollner, chief executive officer, says: “The Q6 e-tron offroad concept is a reinterpretation of quattro. The model shows the potential that our platform for all-electric vehicles already has today. 

“This vehicle can claim new ground. We look forward to seeing our customers’ reactions to this highly emotive car.”