- Electric and nearly-autonomous offroad concept with up to a 310-mile range
- Headlights and taillights are rotorless drones for lighting and video scouting
- Glass-encased cabin offers a helicopter-like compartment
- Quattro all-wheel-drive via electric motors at each wheel
- Makes 429 horsepower and 737.6 lb-ft of torque
Audi is rounding out its AI line of concept vehicles with the release of the new AI:Trail Quattro in Frankfurt this week. The AI:Trail is an electric, nearly autonomous offroad concept vehicle that comes complete with a glassed-in cabin, five drones that act as lighting and mobile scouts, seating for four and an electric range of between 155 and 310 miles depending on terrain.
The AI:Trail offers an interesting peek into what Audi thinks the future of offroading might look like. With more than 13-inches of ground clearance (more than a Jeep Wrangler or a Land Rover Range Rover) Audi says that the AI:Trail can ford water crossings up to 1.6 feet deep.
Autonomous features
The AI:Trail also has Level 4 autonomy which is the second-highest level of self-driving. It allows the driver to allow the vehicle to drive itself in specific areas that have the proper infrastructure in place. While Audi says that the AI:Trail won’t be able to operate autonomously on trails (due to the continually changing landscape), the autonomous tech will assist during off-road adventures. Using lasers, cameras, ultrasound and radar, the AI:Trail will help keep the vehicle on the trail and make it more stable on uneven ground.
Part of that stability will also come from the massive 22-inch wheels which are pushed to the far corners of the vehicle to give it a better approach and departure angle. Tire pressure sensors can automatically control the inflation of each tire, based on the condition of the trail. Those giant, almost dune-buggy-like wheels are attached to MacPherson struts with coil spring and adaptive dampers that offer 2.4 inches of suspension travel, according to Audi.
Electric motors at all four corners
At each wheel is an electric motor that powers the AI:Trail. There are no differentials, locks or multi-geared transmission as a result. Audi says that the computer system in the AI:Trail will control stability and traction; allowing for slip when appropriate and reducing it when needed.
Audi also says that the lithium-ion battery gets 248 to 310 miles on the road and mild trails, and around 155 miles on more challenging trails. Since it was designed for offroading the maximum speed of the Audi AI:Trail is just 80 miles per hour. After all, as the company points out, it was not designed for top speed on the Autobahn.
Pathfinding drone feature
In addition to these features, Audi has built in five electrically operated drones with LED lighting elements. They can land on the roof for docking and charging, but their true function is to act as scouts and lighting for the AI:Trail. They can be sent ahead to check out tricky approaches and send video back to the occupants via Wi-Fi. Audi calls the drones Light Pathfinders since they also replace traditional headlights on the concept. The drones can be controlled via a smartphone app to fly or light up a variety of configurations.
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One interesting tidbit Audi mentions in the release is that the company envisions the AI line of concept vehicles as an entirely new mobility system. This alternative ownership approach allows customers to order any specialized model from an on-demand pool and lease them for a limited time. Customers can book a vehicle and have it configured to their personal preferences including traditional features like color, interior, and options, but they can also get further customized features like preferred interior temperature, seat adjustments, and music preference that are activated when they climb into the vehicle.
While this offroader of the future seems like something we would love to get our hands on, there is no indication that Audi will actually make a production version of the AI:Trail. This is the fourth concept that Audi has unveiled in its AI concept line, which includes the AI:Me, a city-focused vehicle, The Aicon, and the AI:Race. All are on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
