Eight years ago, Audi invited european car to a remote section of Palm Springs with the promise of showing us something special, the Audi TT. Under the blazing sun, Audi's coupe and roadster version of the car looked surreal--surly no concept this brave could ever make it to production. A few years later, the TT became a reality.
In 1998, Audi asked that we come to Palm Springs again, this time for something it called the Audi allroad. Again, we were skeptical whether Audi would actually build the thing. It did.
This spring, we again found ourselves heading to Palm Springs for something called the Audi Pikes Peak, a big, bold and fantastically futuristic vehicle. Surely, such an ambitious concept could never make it into production. However, if Audi's track record has taught us anything, it's not unreasonable to assume the Pikes Peak will indeed be hammered out in some way, shape or form. Josef Maier, Technikkonzepte for the Pikes Peak, posed a coy question, with a slight grin on his face.
"Ask me if I think Audi will build it," said Maier.
"Joe, do you think Audi will build the Pikes Peak?" I asked, obligingly
"I don't know. Do you think we should?" said Maier, fidgeting like a child waiting to open Christmas presents. I said yes, but suggested a catchier name than Pikes Peak. The mountain is legendary to racing fans familiar with Audi's domination there, but the moniker's meaning will most likely pass over most folks' heads.
Although the Pikes Peak brims with advanced technology and a race-inspired, 500-bhp engine, more interesting are the shape and ergonomics of the vehicle. It looks big and sits high. Not a van, not a sports wagon and definitely not an SUV, the Pikes Peak represents a new classification of transportation that culls elements from that familiar trio of models.
Len Hunt, president of Audi of America, likened the Pikes Peak to a decathlete, the idea being this vehicle can take on a wide variety of challenges. That trend is becoming more prevalent; manufacturers across the world seeking to develop the "Swiss Army Knife" of vehicles.
Audi has taken that idea and expanded on it, literally. With its 4+2 seating arrangement and its versatile electronic adjustments, the Pikes Peak can carry six people comfortably along with a decent complement of luggage or, with the seats folded down, a load of plywood. The rearward passengers have access to their own MMI controller and twin video screens, with DVD and MD drivers in the retractable center console, including Internet access and USB and headphone plugs. A glass roof offers the occupants panoramic views and a sense of space.
The cabin is trimmed with matte brushed aluminum and Japanese "Tamo" ashwood, reminiscent of an exotic yacht. The driver's area is marked by a raised center console filled with the latest generation of MMI and a novel type of gauge display using 3D laser optics. There's a smattering of cupholders and storage bins throughout, including a cold-storage compartment under the front split armrest. For optimized occupant protection, two neatly housed additional "out of position" cameras identify the front passengers' positions and modify triggering of the airbag appropriately. There's also a camera trained on the right side and rearward sections so the driver can better see what's going on. Door handles are activated when the sensors indicate a key; merely reaching for a handle will cause it to lift and expose the opening solenoid.
The vehicle rides on a chassis comprised of sections from the A6 and A8, with a Torsen-based quattro driveline with electronic differential lock to control torque distribution between the wheels and Electronic Stabilization Program. It also features adaptive cruise control.
The Audi Pikes Peak quattro rides on a variable-height adaptive air suspension, much like that of the allroad. During off-road excursions, the Pikes Peak can provide 11 in. of ground clearance; during higher speed stuff it automatically lowers itself. It rolls on 20-in. BBS wheels with Goodyear's PAX rubber measuring 295/770R 560. These tires feature an internal substructure that maintains overall shape in case of a loss of pressure and can be driven flat at speeds up to 50 mph for 125 miles.
The design study was equipped with a motor much like the twin-turbo 4.2-liter V8 unit residing in the RS6, though it has been augmented with direct injection. Maier thought Audi's vaunted TDI technology would fit nicely.
The Pikes Peak looks big, especially up close. A novel touch is a radiator grille divided into two sections. Stand 15 ft away, and it takes on a decidedly muscular appearance, with bold wheel arches and elegant tapering of the side glass. Audi's latest generation of lighting is included in the nose and tail, providing focused, high-intensity illumination and quicker fire-up response.
Maier and crew did a gorgeous job with the Pikes Peak, managing to blend utility, sportiness and classic Audi styling into a cohesive package. Although we may not see some of the impressive technology it contained right away, chances are it's just down the road.
Chances are, so is the Pikes Peak.