Remember the Local Motors Rally Fighter? Pepperidge Farm remembers, and apparently Audi does, too. The automaker’s recent Q6 e-tron off-road concept bears a striking resemblance to the defunct-but-funky lifted coupe, though it’s got electric motors.
Audi said the Q6 concept offers 6.3 inches of ground clearance and portal axles, which move much of the axle components higher up and assist with that clearance. The new axle design improves torque delivery over previous iterations, lowering the vehicle’s top speed but improving its gradient climbing capability. To that end, Audi said the concept can climb gradients of up to 100 percent.
The Q6 e-tron is a new model for Audi in 2025. While we don’t know if the concept has upgraded power numbers over the standard model, the SUV you and I will be able to soon buy tops out at 456 horsepower with the dual-motor Quattro powertrain option. There will also be an SQ6 e-tron with amped-up specs reaching 510 horsepower.
This being a concept, the chances of seeing a beefed-up off-road Audi EV on sale anytime soon are likely slim. The company said it built the concept to demonstrate that the Q6 could have emotion and that its platform could support a range of vehicle types. If you want to see the car in action, Audi plans to debut the concept at the F.A.T. Ice Race in Austria on February 1 and will blast it across its social channels.
[Images: Audi]
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