Audi confirms new electric vehicle concept

Luxury German auto brand Audi has released the first images of a new electric concept car.

Dubbed the "Urban Concept," the futuristic concept is seen in sketches released August 10, and the model is expected to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September as part of a wider study on city mobility.

A lightweight model, the cockpit has been made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, which Audi says was the product of a new design process based on the principles of minimizing weight and increasing efficiency.

The design is intended to combine elements of a racing car, a roadster, a fun car and an urban car, says Audi, with a sleek body and large 21-inch free-standing wheels.

Entry to the vehicle is through the tailgate, although the roof can slide back, turning the car into a cabriolet so that the two low-set passengers can get a real feel for their surroundings.

It will be propelled by two proprietary e-tron electric motors, which Audi claims will offer powerful acceleration, and powered by a lithium-ion battery.

The model is expected to be on show alongside other electric concepts such as BMW's i3 and i8, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which runs September 13-25 in Frankfurt, Germany.

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