English Summary

Audi grAndsphere concept

The privaTe jeT for The road

Audi presented the Audi grandsphere concept study at the iAA 2021. Like a first-class flight, the 5.35-metre-long saloon combines the luxury of private travel in the highest level of comfort with a comprehensive range of experiences on board. once again, the ingolstadt-based company documented its innovative capacity and vision for the luxurious mobility of the future.

Automated driving in Level 4 enables new dimensions of freedom: in this mode, the interior is transformed into a spacious experience without steering wheel, pedals or displays. And the first row of seats becomes a first-class lounge with maximum space, an unobstructed view and access to all the functions of the holistic digital ecosystem into which the Audi grandsphere is integrated. As the second of three "sphere" concept cars from the brand with the four rings, the Audi grandsphere occupies a special position. Many of the technologies and design features brought together here will be found in future production Audi models within a few years. The Audi grandsphere concept illustrates the brand’s ambition to become the pacemaker for technological transformation and completely new, holistic mobility offerings in the automotive upper echelon. In August 2021, the electrically driven roadster Audi skysphere concept made its debut – the spectacular vision of an automated GT that transforms itself into a self-driven sports car with a variable wheelbase. Both concept cars – and also the Audi urbansphere, the third representative of the trio, which will appear in 2022 – are linked by the fact that the entire concept is derived from the ability to drive automatically at Level 4. Level 4: This not only changes the interior from the classic driver-oriented cockpit plus passenger seats into a spacious lounge as soon as the steering wheel and pedals retract. At the same time, it opens up new degrees of freedom for all passengers. The Audi grandsphere not only frees the driver(s) from the task of driving whenever possible, but at the same time the concept car offers all those on board a wide variety of options for using this freedom to create individual experiences: communication or relaxation, work or retreat into a private sphere when desired. The Audi grandsphere concept transforms

itself from a pure automobile into an “experience device”. With the three concept cars Audi skysphere, Audi grandsphere and Audi urbansphere, the brand with the four rings illustrates its vision of progressive luxury. This opens up a world of experience that goes far beyond the purpose-bound stay on board, beyond the driving experience. The name component “sphere” already sends out a signal: the interior is at the centre of the Audi skysphere, grandsphere and urbansphere concept cars. It is no longer the drive or the driving dynamics that are at the top of the specifications for this new generation of cars, but the starting point is the interior, the living and experience sphere of the occupants on the road. Their needs and wishes shape the space, the architecture and the functions. With this reassessment, the design process itself is also changing. At the beginning of all discussions, the focus is on the interior and its design. Only then the package, exterior lines and proportions are designed, which, together with the technological premises, make the car a total work of art. The doors of the Audi grandsphere concept open in opposite directions, front and rear; there is no B-pillar. This opens up the entire expanse of the interior to the passengers as soon as they get in. But before that, the Audi grandsphere has already identified its passengers by means of gear recognition – an innovative feature – opened the doors and welcomed them with an individual staging. The positions of the driver and front passenger are automatically recognised and numerous personal comfort features – such as the setting of the air conditioning and the seats – are adjusted for the respective seat. The change in the comfort zone is radical: if the owner sits in the back of the traditional luxury saloon, the first class now moves to the front, to the front row. This is no longer necessarily subordinate to the driving function and the controls. In the Level 4 driving mode, the steering wheel and pedals disappear, and the front area of the cabin becomes the real free space in all its widhth with a perfect view through the large front and side windows and maximum freedom of movement. The interior appears particularly wide when the two front individual seats are moved all the way back. The Audi grandsphere is a 2+2 seater. An upholstered two-seater bench with the backrest pulled around to the side is integrated into the rear wall as a seating option, while the two front armchairs are designed for first-class comfort and space. Between the front seats – normally concealed under a metal trim – is a compact, refrigerated on-board bar with two glasses and a beautifully designed bottle for soft drinks. This, too, is a sign of the Audi grandsphere concept's first-class aspirations. Surprise when looking around the natural-coloured, pared-down interior of the Audi grandsphere: Neither batteries of round instruments nor black screens for virtual display concepts can be seen before the driving functions are activated – the much-cited digital detox in its purest form. Instead, clearly structured and calm zones of materials of the highest quality. Wood and wool, synthetic textile fabrics and metal can be seen as wall coverings, seat coverings and as floor carpets, pleasant to the touch. Many of these materials, such as the hornbeam veneers, come from sustainable cultivation or are made from recycled raw material. There is no leather in the Audi grandsphere – this, too, is in keeping with a progressive understanding of luxury, which always includes inseparable sustainability. The same applies to all operating modes – eye tracking, gesture or voice control, handwriting input and touch: the Audi grandsphere concept adapts to the respective user and learns their preferences as well as frequently used menus – and can use this as a basis for sensibly supplementing commands that are executed. Dynamic monolith – the exterior design 5.35 metres long, 2 metres wide and 1.39 metres high – the dimensions of the Audi grandsphere concept clearly identify the saloon as a representative of the automotive luxury class. The wheelbase of 3.19 metres marks a best value that even puts the long version of the current Audi A8 in the shade. More surprising than these figures suggest, however, is the visual impression on first encounter. The Audi grandsphere does not appear to be a classic Limousine at all, but rather a tautly styled four-door GT with lines taken from the wind tunnel. And it does without any décor or superfluous flourishes. At the same time, the Audi grandsphere consistently translates the specific conditions of the electric drive into typical proportions – a short overhang, a flat bonnet and the windscreen projecting far forward as the front boundary of the large interior. Nevertheless, unlike many e-cars, it does not appear futuristic at all, but on the contrary emphasises classic ideals of beauty. The upper edge of the bonnet is drawn as a horizontal line far into the side of the body, suggesting a long engine compartment – the hallmark of a GT. At the rear, this line continues at the same height above the rear wheel arch, encompassing the entire cabin and emphasising its size. The dynamically sloping curve of the roof line identifies the grandsphere as a representative of the Audi Sportback tradition. All the lines, all the surfaces seem to relate organically to one another, uniting to form a monolithic body. The wheels of the Audi grandsphere concept are 23 inches in size and quote an icon of the 90s – Audi Avus. The six double spokes signalise lightweight construction and stability at the same time, reminiscent of functional motorsport wheels and the Bauhaus tradition of brand design. The technology platform of the Audi grandsphere – the so-called Premium Platform Electric or PPE – is designed exclusively for battery-electric drive and thus fully exploits all the advantages of this technology. The central element is a battery module between the axles, which provides around 120 kWh of energy in the grandsphere concept. By using the entire vehicle base between the axles, Audi is able to achieve a flat layout for the battery. Together with large wheels, this results in a basic proportion that is perfect not only for styling. A high degree of interior length and thus legroom in both rows of seats is one of the central advantages. In addition, the elimination of the transmission bell and the cardan tunnel increases the comfort of space in electric cars. Nevertheless, the Audi grandsphere does not do without the quattro drive that is essential for the brand. The concept car has an electric motor on both the front and rear axles which, by means of electronic coordination, implement the all-wheel drive as required and in a perfect balance of driving dynamics and economy. The two electric motors of the Audi grandsphere concept mobilise a total output of 530 kW and a torque of 960 Newton metres. The heart of the drive is the 800-volt charging technology. As in the Audi e-tron GT, the technology ensures that the battery can be charged in a very short time at fast charging points with an output of up to 270 kW. This strategy allows charging times that come close to a classic refuelling stop for combustion-powered cars. Just ten minutes are enough to take on board drive energy for more than 300 kilometres of driving. Together with a range of more than 750 kilometres – depending on the drive variant and power output – the Audi grandsphere concept is uncompromisingly suitable for long journeys. And it keeps pace with internal combustion cars in terms of range and charging speed, making it the perfect all-rounder for everyday motoring. Thanks to the high torque available from the first revolution, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h can be completed in barely more than four seconds; the top speed is limited with a view to the range. r t www.progress.audi

White motorcycle concept

ExtrEmE aErodynamics – ExtrEmE spEEd

in the course of electromobility, extreme concepts by visionary engineers are not only being planned for electric cars. radical thinking is also being applied to electric motorcycles. the British motorcycle manufacturer White motorcycle concepts relies on extreme solutions for its electric motorcycles. the performance of this approach is to be demonstrated by the latest “Wmc250eV” project with a new speed record of 395 km/h. the motorcycles are designed to be driven at high speeds.

Robert White’s approach is spectacular indeed – the center of the motorcycle forms a huge hole! White has repeatedly helped make fast things even faster over the past 25 years by working on, for example, Prodrive’s LMP1 prototypes, the Australian V8 supercars and the Mercedes F1 car. Now he has chosen twowheelers to be the center of his technical visions. The focus of his research is “V-Air”; an air duct in the middle of the motorcycle that pushes air through the vehicle rather than around it. The difference is quite remarkable, reducing drag by up to 70 percent. This is only possible because EV powertrains can be flexible in size and shape with internal combustion engines attached to the frame. The electric drivetrain sits like a plate below (good for the center of gravity) while the driver defines the rest of the silhouette. The drive is called “D-Drive”, two 20 kW motors that drive the front wheel – designed with energy recovery through regenerative braking, just like in F1 and Le Mans cars. This is not possible with conventional motorized lobs because the front wheel is not connected to the drive train. Just as with electric cars, the range issue always resonates with electric motorcycles. White Motorcycle Concepts (WMC) approaches the issue of range from the aerodynamics side. The approach: the lower the air resistance, the greater the range with the same battery capacity. With the WMC250EV, the British want to break the national speed record in 2021 and then the absolute speed record currently held by Max Biaggi on Voxan in 2022. The goal is to beat the 394.45 km/ h mark for partially faired motor-

cycles. The race is to be held on a salt lake in Bolivia. About the record attempt motorcycle: As announced, the WMC250EV relies on a radical aerodynamic concept. The central element is the powerful duct that runs right through the middle of the bike. This lowers the air resistance (allegedly by 70 percent), stabilizes the motorcycle at high speeds and significantly increases the contact pressure on the front wheel. The WMC250EV needs that too, because two of the four electric motors are in the front wheel, the other two in front of the rear wheel. The front engines produce 20 kW each, the rear 30 kW each. Despite only 100 kW total output, speeds of over 400 km/h are aimed for. The deep drawn front also determines the swing arm including the stub axle steering. Between the widely spaced wheels sits a monument of a battery under the channel. Above it, the rider crouches long and low behind the carbon fairing. The total length is 2.44 meters, the height is only 1.19 meters. Dymag supplies the 17-inch aluminum wheels. They are covered with Pirelli Superbikeslicks in the dimensions 120/70 at the front and 180/55 at the rear. The machine, which weighs around 300 kilograms, is decelerated by a 340 double brake disc at the front and a 310 single disc at the rear. Robert White is looking back to around 25 years of motorsport experience and now he also wants to go into history as a world record motorcyclist. r

t www.whitemotorcycleconcepts.com

OctOla arctic Wilderness lOdge

Once in a lifetime

On the “bucket list” of many discerning travelers is the desire to see the fascinating spectacle of the northern lights, which are dancing and oscillating in many colours like green, red, purple, yellow or blue across the polar sky. One of the most exclusive hideaways to experience this natural spectacle, is the Octola lodge in lapland. the northern lights, also called aurora, occur when electrically charged particles of the solar wind hit the earth meet atmosphere.

The Octola Lodge can be reached by a two-hour flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, in the heart of Finnish Lapland, a huge and unique area of arctic wilderness where reindeers, bears, indigenous people called Sami and where probably also Santa Claus is living! With a good hour transfer in an off-road vehicle over ice and snow covered roads through the impressive landscape, that could not be more beautiful, you reach the Octola Lodge far away from any civilization “in the middle of nowhere”. This is really a “hideaway” in the best sense of the word. In the cozy and comfortably furnished lounge area with a large fire in the fireplace which exudes

warmth and homeliness, host Janne Honkanen welcomes his guests. A total of twelve exclusive suites with luxurious bathrooms are waitiing for demanding guests from all over the world. The lodge is designed to a separate wing with 6 rooms or alternatively with 4 rooms and a villa with 2 suites, each with its own kitchen, dining area, sauna and outdoor jacuzzi, which can be separated to host small groups or families. There are of course covered terraces everywhere to enjoy the spectacle of watching the Northern Lights. Initiator Janne Honkunen was formerly a professional snowmobile racer in North America. After a serious accident in 1999 in Minneapolis he came back to Finland for the operation. Later he founded a snowmobile school for children and worked as a wilderness guide and snowmobile instructor. In 2009 he founded the travel company “Luxury Action” and was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2015. The only problem turned out, that many chalets and accommodations he rented for his guests were not really about comfort and exclusivity. So he decided together with his friend and business partner, the two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Häkkinen, to build his own lodge, which opened in 2018. The own area of the Octola Lodge covers 300 hectares; in total to be used for the activities of the guests it is covering almost 1,000 hectares. Available are snowmobiles for all ages, e-fat bikes, cross-country skis, off-road skis, snowshoes for hiking, sledges or cars and retracting buggys. Guests can also enjoy the best salmon fishing river, which is only 45 minutes away. An own reindeer herding with over 100 reindeers, which is passed on from generation to generation, is also owned by Janne. Janne understands luxury travel in the Arctic in presenting his guests from all over the world the local culture including the kitchen with the special ingredients, the unique nature and the fauna of Lapland closer. So let’s head north, to one of the last adventures of our time with unforgettable nature! r

t Octola arctic Wilderness lodge arctic circle in Finnish lapland, ceO, gründer: Janne Honkanen Phone: 0 03 58 / 44 / 5 15 17 96 e-mail: janne@octola.com, internet: www.octola.com Octola lodge: twelve exclusive suites Octola Villa: exclusive villa with two bedrooms Octola – internationaler airport rovaniemi: 20 minutes Private helipad is available

AuktionshAus Cortrie

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soBs köln – exklusive herrenmoden

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weissenhAus grAnd VillAge resort & spA AM Meer

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Inhaber: Familie Posch Schmitte 12. A-6633 Biberwier/Tirol Telefon: 00 43 / (0) 56 73 / 2 10 21 E-Mail: info@laposch.at Internet: www.laposch.at luxus-Bergdorf im herzen der Tiroler Zugspitzarena. relAis & ChâteAux hotel Burg sChwArzenstein

Gastgeber: Stéphanie u. Michael Teigelkamp Rosengasse 32, D-65366 Geisenheim-Johannisberg Telefon: 0 67 22 / 9 95 00, Telefax: 0 67 22 / 99 50 50 E-Mail: info@burg-schwarzenstein.de Internet: www.burg-schwarzenstein.de

Boutique hotel heidelBerg suites

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Eigentümer: Peter Hütter und Christine Hütter-Bönan Urslaustraße 7, A-5761 Maria Alm – Hinterthal Telefon: 00 43 / (0) 65 84 / 2 38 88 Telefax: 00 43 / (0) 65 84 / 2 38 88 - 60 E-Mail: reservations@huetterboenan.com Internet: www.hotelwachtelhof.com FloAting Boutique hotel goldFinger

Eigentümer: Peter Hütter und Christine Hütter-Bönan Neuenheimer Landstraße 12, D-69120 Heidelberg Telefon: 00 34 / (0) 9 71 / 19 38 38 E-Mail: reservations@huetterboenan.com Internet: www.hotelgoldfinger.com

VitigliAno priVAte hideAwAy

Inhaberin/Gründerin: Marion Hattemer Loc. Vitigliano di Sotto, Via Case Sparse 64 I-50022 Greve in Chianti (FI) Telefon: 00 39 - 0 33 - 7 74 16 92 E-Mail: info@hideaways-hotels.com Internet: www.hideaways-hotels.com wiesergut

Inhaber: Martina and Sepp Kröll Wiesern 48, A-5754 Hinterglemm Telefon: 00 43 / (0) 65 41 / 63 08 Telefax: 00 43 / (0) 65 41 / 63 08 38 E-Mail: info@hideaways-hotels.com Internet: www.hideaways-hotels.com Forestis

Inhaber: Stefan und Teresa Hinteregger Palmschoß 292 I-39042 Brixen/Südtirol Telefon: 00 39 / 04 72 / 52 10 08 E-Mail: info@hideaways-hotels.com Internet: www.hideaways-hotels.com

priesteregg preMiuM eCo resort

Inhaber: Renate und Huwi Oberlader Sonnberg 22, A-5771 Leogang Telefon: 00 43 / (0) 65 83 / 8 25 50 Telefax: 00 43 / (0) 65 83 / 8 25 54 E-Mail: info@hideaways-hotels.com Internet: www.hideaways-hotels.com

BergVillen By ChAlet MirABell

Falzebenstraße 112 I-39010 Hafling bei Meran, Südtirol Telefon: 00 39 / 04 73 / 27 93 00 Telefax: 00 39 / 04 73 / 37 80 63 E-Mail: info@bergvillen.com Internet: www.bergvillen.com hotel JungBrunn – der gutzeitort

Gastgeber: Ulrika and Markus Gutheinz Oberhöfen 25, A-6675 Tannheim/Tirol Telefon: 00 43 / 56 75 / 62 48 Telefax: 00 43 / 56 75 / 65 44 E-Mail: hotel@jungbrunn.at Internet: www.jungbrunn.at