Audi Nanuk Combines Off-Roader and Trackcar with V10 TDI

AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
8213 photos
27 videos
did a fantastic job keeping its second Frankfurt Motor Show concept under wraps until the show began. The Audi Nanuk Quattro ConceptAudi Nanuk QuattroGermany, 2014 > 2014 looks much more conceptual and futuristic than Audi’s other concept, the Sport Quattro.

The Nanuk was designed in cooperation with Italdesign GiugiaroItaldesignItaly, 1968 > present25 models
173 photos
, and it bears somewhat of a resemblance to the Italdesign ParkourItaldesign ParcourItaly, 2013 > 201317 photos
concept from the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

The front of the car wears a sharpened version of the Audi’s front with a hexagonal floating grill that is flanked by headlights with four, square LED running lights on each side. Below the headlights are huge air intakes split into three sections to funnel air to the carbon-ceramic brake discs. The hood is low and slants downward to give the car a very sporty look.

In profile, the car looks very LamborghiniLamborghiniItaly, 1963 > present32 models
1447 photos
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if it was not for the 22in wheels and air suspension with three selectable ride heights. Rearward of the doors there are two stacks of air intakes slanted at different angles to point like an arrow towards the rear. The side mirrors are replaced by rearward facing cameras.

The rear has steeply sloping rear glass to LED outlined taillights. Below them is a floating portion to allow heat to exit, and the exhaust pipes are mounted in the rear diffuser even lower.

The body is predominantly made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic, while the frame is aluminum.

The idea for the concept is a two-seat vehicle that works on the track, highway or off-road. The handling is helped with four-wheel steering with nine degrees of lock. Its engine is a longitudinal, twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V10 TDI mounted in the middle of the car with 536hp (544ps) and 738lb-ft (1,000Nm). Power is routed to all four wheels via a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission.

Given its 4,189lb (1,900kg) weight, Audi claims that it will get to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 305km/h (190mph). It uses 7.8l/100km.

The Nanuk is a concept and nothing more, but it is great to see Audi experiment with wilder styling.