As far as concept cars go, this one is pretty damn sweet. It’s called the Audi PB 18 e-tron and the German automaker just pulled back its wraps at Laguna Seca. The gist of this all-electric vision from the world of tomorrow is that it’s to serve as a design and technology inspiration for future machines focused on the enthusiast.
That becomes a bit more clean when you see the PB 18 from another angle…
It’s a freaking super space wagon from Planet Longroof!
The designers took inspiration from Audi’s amazing R18 e-tron race car, which is a great machine from which to get inspired. Driving experience is a priority on the PB 18. Gael Buzyn, who is Head of the Audi Design Loft in Malibu, says
“We want to offer the driver an experience that is otherwise available only in a racing car like the Audi R18. That’s why we developed the interior around the ideal driver’s position in the center. Nevertheless, our aim was to also give the PB 18 e-tron a high degree of everyday usability, not just for the driver, but also for a potential passenger.”
So what powers this concept of cool? Audi says it would be a trio of motors, where one is positioned up front and the other two sit out back. With their powers combined, horsepower is rated at around 670. There would be available boosts of power that could bring the total output 765 horsepower when needed. The dash from 0-62 miles per hour would be over in a tick more than two seconds.
When it comes time to haul in the speed, Audi would still employ the electric motors. They would be the main stopping force of the car except for situations requiring heavy braking. That’s where a traditional hydraulic brake setup would come into play.
Will we ever see a car like the PB 18 e-tron? Audi has a habit of building very cool concept that are never fully realized. Remember the R8 e-tron or the Quattro Coupe concept?
Both of those were great and they exist amongst a sea of other Audi concepts that might help design and tech down the road. This is another one of that sort of concept vehicle.
We can pine for such a car to come to fruition, and Audi has been on a great run as of late, but don’t start dreaming of winning the lottery and acquiring the PB 18. Regardless, if this is a peek at what’s to come in a decade or two, then consider us ever hopeful for the future.
