Audi Urban Concept Spyder (photos)

Audi's Urban concept is a study in how little vehicle is needed for an urban runabout.

Using lightweight materials, such as a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer for the monocoque and aluminum for the structure and suspension, Audi was able to keep the curb weight down to a mere 1,058 pounds. (For comparison, the current Mazda Miata weighs in at 2,410 pounds.)

On the rear axle, a pair of 20 horsepower electric motors drive the wheels. Power is provided by a 7.1 kWh lithium ion battery with a range of about 45 miles. (Road trips are out of the question; this is, of course, a city car.) 62 mph is reached from a standstill in 16.9 seconds.

Charge time for battery is 20 minutes on 400 volt three-phase current or about one hour on European standard 230 volt household current.

The concept is also capable of being powered by the Audi Wireless Charging (AWC) system. This 3.6 kW induction system is capable of recharging the Urban Concept's battery and powering its secondary systems, such as the heater.

The lightweight 21-inch wheels are mounted at the business end of a pushrod suspension and are shod in odd 125/60 and 145/50 profile tires for the front and rear, respectively. The wheels feature a design that is similar to Audi's previous e-tron concepts.

The Urban concept is a 1+1 with spacing for a driver and a passenger. The Spyder variant displayed at the Frankfurt auto show feature an open top with a short windscreen.

An offset seating layout places the passenger a few inches behind the driver's shoulder to maximize shoulder and hip room in the small cockpit.

The concept's cabin is simple, emphasizing space and lightness over opulence.

The doors open upward and outward to give the concept an insectlike appearance.