Audi's Aicon is an autonomous EV concept writ large
Huge dimensions, futuristic tech and a lounge-like cabin are the hallmarks of this Frankfurt Motor Show concept.
It's hard to get a sense of scale from these images, but the Aicon stretches a foot-and-a-half longer than a Tesla Model S -- it's huge.
The Aicon boasts 26-inch wheels.
A U-shaped dashboard incorporates various displays and touch controls, along with eye-tracking hardware and voice-recognition tech.
The fully autonomous Aicon does without conventional headlights and instead features animated 3D light boards that can telegraph the car's intent to others.
For instance, the car's "eyes" can follow pedestrians to acknowledge their presence, or display moving horizontal light stripes that convey whether the car is under acceleration or braking.
Dual-axle steering keeps the Aicon's size from being as much of a liability in densely packed cities as it otherwise might be.
The fully autonomous Aicon does without conventional headlights and instead features animated 3D light boards that can telegraph the car's intent to others.
For instance, the car's "eyes" can follow pedestrians to acknowledge their presence, or display moving horizontal light stripes that convey whether the car is under acceleration or braking.
Audi says the Aicon incorporates a mini drone that functions as a "light companion."
A pair of lounge-like seats recline, swivel and can slide back and forth by nearly 20 inches on their mounts that "float" over thick-pile carpeting.
Despite four large doors and an expansive wheelbase, the Aicon is actually designed primarily for two occupants, with a pair of auxiliary seats for the occasional interloper.
Yep, the Aicon is a pure concept car, so it's got suicide doors to better show off its interior. The roof panel has electrochromic glass to enable variable opacity depending on the occupants' wishes.
Keep clicking or swiping through for more images of Audi's new Aicon concept.