Concept Cars

Audi, Volkswagen

Concept cars preview not only the design of future products but also showcase forthcoming technology features. The ERL regularly contributes to concept cars from the Volkswagen Group. Most recently, the ERL was part of the design and engineering team for the 2007 Audi LA Auto Show Concept Car. In addition to helping shape the overall theme and vision for the “Cross Cabriolet quattro Concept,” the ERL built the infotainment system, showcasing a prototype user interface and applications that might appear in future internet-connected vehicles. These applications leverage the power of wireless connectivity to deliver unique connected services that enhance the driving experience. The Audi MMI® interface highlights include: Google Earth Navigation, Picture Navigation, Networked Speech Recognition, and Internet Radio.

In 2005, The ERL also created the award-winning “Chameleon”, a 1964 21-window VW Deluxe Microbus that featured modern technology. The old bus was restored and retrofitted with such technologies as an all-electric drive train, solar cells, LED lighting, theater-style rear seat entertainment, electric tinting glass, and digital instrument cluster. The purpose of the vehicle was to showcase that modern, state-of-the-art technology and traditional iconic design can co-exist.

Other concept vehicles to which the ERL has contributed technology include: Audi Roadjet quattro (2005), Audi allroad quattro (2005), Audi Cross Coupe quattro (2007), Audi Shooting Brake (2006), Audi Metroproject quattro (2007), Audi R8 V12 TDI (2008).